The Practice and Posture of the Triune God Revealed – How Must We Live?

  

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

Jesus Christ   

Power, Profile, Position and Posture 

The history of the church is peppered with theological conflagrations, but none more so than those around the identity of Christ, particularly in the Trinitarian context. 

For the Theologically adept, you will already be across the various ideas that have tried to challenge the prevailing orthodoxy, and time will not permit a review of the various controversies that have got some traction. Suffice to say, much research, debate, prayer and prophetic pondering, have given the Body of Christ – the Church – what is the truth on the Deity above all deities – The Triune God is one Entity, with three co-equal, co-existing and co-eternal persons. 

It is this unparalleled model of the Divine that not only sets Judeo-Christianity utterly apart from all other religio-spiritual frameworks but I will contest, provides the more profound insight into, not only the created order of the universe, but its most remarkable element, humanity. 

It is the co-eternal facet of this Triune God that I want to focus on specifically in this pondering, particularly in the context of the Incarnation

The Incarnation of the Christ, as we understand from the Salvation of humanity’s perspective, is breathtaking in its plan, purpose and scope, but there is another element, a parallel profundity, that added not only to our material dimension, but also to the heavenly realms. 

One thing I want to emphasise here, is that our human experience and limitations, mean we lack the superlatives to truly describe this ultimate of perceived ‘supreme beings’. We can attempt to conjure in our imaginations what capacities, potentials, and agency a perfect supernatural, beyond time, space and the universe Deity would have, but all endeavours in this arena are ultimately futile – we are just too limited. 

Our fractured and fallen natures then often lean toward, the what we believe to be akin to the quintessential ‘Genie’ model of an all knowing and all powerful being – power, control – and the utter unrestrained agency to create, destroy, transform and annihilate. 

Yet, these capacities, though very much part of the God of the Bible, are not what and how He primarily transacts, not by a long shot. 

The Trinity – a community, a family from the beginning – didn’t adopt an ‘egalitarian’ or complementarian or complementarian without hierarchy model or posture. No, it transcended all these human attempts at classification. 

Power, position, potency, possibility, and potential are all subjected, by G_d’s design, to the chosen Posture of this Triune Personhood – The posture of a servanthood directed and utterly humble, others focused and holy love. 

This perfect G_dhead in deferring to and preferring one another, their perfect love filled servanthood was a seamless creative and governing collaboration. Not simply ‘rule and reign’ (Position) but more ‘oversee, protect and sustain’ – influencing and impacting by service, edification, and grace (Posture) Not privileged position rather proactive and protective posture 

This, for our comparatively divinely infantile minds, may or may not make simple sense. In one context it is the perfect expressive explanation to hold in perfect tension the omniscience and omnipotence that portend unfathomable capacity for good or evil. This perfect balance, this construct, can only originate from a relational and ‘community configured’ Deity. 

Paul in his letter to the Philippians was manifesting a little of that expressive inability when he is provoking the church to follow the example of the Founder. 

Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man. And, having become man, he humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience, even to the extent of dying, and the death he died was the death of a common criminal. That is why God has now lifted him so high, and has given him the name beyond all names, so that at the name of Jesus “every knee shall bow”, whether in Heaven or earth or under the earth. And that is why, in the end, “every tongue shall confess” that Jesus Christ” is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father  

Philippians 2:5-11 (JB Phillips) 

Not only is Paul’s understandable inadequacy reflected in describing the sovereignty and deity of Christ, but (as one would expect from mere mortals) his understanding was only just burgeoning. Paul was only beginning to understand (by G_d’s Grace) that this posture adopted by The Christ, didn’t just manifest because he was ‘contained’ in human form, but it was the very core posture of the eternally existing divine expression – and it would appear from what we will soon read, was not understood by the celestial beings either – Angels; yes, I will posit that even with their scope and position, they did not perceive this posture. 

Revealed for your sake 

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.            

1 Peter 1:12-14 (NASB) [emphasis added] 

We are writing to you about something which has always existed yet which we ourselves actually saw and heard: something which we had an opportunity to observe closely and even to hold in our hands, and yet, as we know now, was something of the very Word of life himself! For it was life which appeared before us: we saw it, we are eye-witnesses of it, and are now writing to you about it. It was the very life of all ages, the life that has always existed with the Father, which actually became visible in person to us mortal men.  

1 John 1:2-4 (J.B.PHILLIPS) [emphasis added] 

We can glean from these texts that the angelic hosts, for the most part, seemed to be ignorant of much of this pivotal aspect of the Divine. It would appear from our reading above that the fullness of the servant, serving, sacrificing, self-abasing Son of God was only fully revealed in the Incarnation – not only greater revelation of the Trinitarian Deity, but that some of the yet to be manifest, plans and purposes of El Elyon, will only be revealed through His extended self – the Body of Christ. 

The Angelic hosts have not seen, nor have an idea of what this will be. This mutually serving and collaborative Community, nay, Family are going to collectively manifest something unprecedented – such is the passion of this G_d for connection. 

However, this could not be possible if it were not the very essence of His divine nature in the deferring to and preferring of each other Trinitarian community. There was a mode, a manner, a manifestation of the second person of the G_dhead that these created utilitarian agents, even in their propinquity, did not or were unable to see in their apparent, limited perception of the Divine. 

These ‘ministering spirits’, it would seem, could not fully comprehend that this Triune God is relational, communal and utterly humble. This is the mode, framework, model and/or context that enables the preferring of, deferring to and ultimately serving of ‘one another’. This is the seminal expression of the ‘one another’s’ that are replete in Creator God’s standing orders and revealed in the Holy Scriptures. 

It is important to remember that the Trinitarian God was a community before time, space and the subsequent universe were created. 

It is interesting to note that even secular academics and writers understand this profound dynamic, with one such educator and corporate coach, Margaret Wheatley going as far as saying that; 

"Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship with everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have got to stop pretending that we are individuals who can go it alone!… Relationships are what matters–even at the subatomic level – Life is a vast web of interconnections where cooperation and participation are required.” 

These surprising declarations in the end are simply an awakening to the model that has always been on display as this God above all gods is outside both the ‘time and space’ that bound all other contrived deities. 

Whilst we have little canonical evidence of the supernatural entities that existed before our physical universe was created, we have enough to understand that heavenly hosts – angels, ministering spirits – existed and were in some form of relationship with this Creator – Trinitarian YHWH

Regardless of this purported genesis of entities, the angels still had to ‘stoop down’ (important posture to discover higher revelation) to look into God’s dealings with humanity to get a handle on the Divine Plan, because, as mentioned, they ‘didn’t get it!’ Angels were created to serve the Kingdom, not co-author and co-rule in it, that was a privilege for humanity. 

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favour, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out], Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus  [The purpose is] that through the church the [a]complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord 

 Ephesians 3:8-11 Amplified Bible (AMPC) [emphasis added] 

We can also glean from the Scriptures that This God was Glorious, inapproachably bright, and majestic beyond human definitions (Angels were immersed in these realities daily). These very externals let alone the utter omniscience and omnipotence of God compelled a worship and praise. Yet of such profound nature was this worship that it appears charge for it, or perhaps better put, coordination of it, was given to one of three archangels that we know about – His name as Lucifer. 

One could only speculate, that this was a facilitation, rather than directing role, as he was not responsible for the action of worship, but it would appear coordinating it, and I would imagine (serving the God we do) enabling the Angels to better experience the fullness of God in this particular, but not only mode of worship. 

One can (again only in our limited human perception) imagine that this privileged task of leading awe-filled accolade with such proximity, such intensity, could in time, unchecked, shape one’s sense of importance, and consequently a sense of worth? This is reflected in one of the titles given to Lucifer – ‘The Morning Star’ 

Orthodoxy interprets the following texts, typologically, as referring not to earthly entities by more a Power Principality, specifically to Lucifer as he was removed from not only his role but cast from the inner domain of Heaven. 

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! (Isaiah 14:12)  

So, I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendour. So, I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

(Ezekiel 28 v 16-17)   

A new and adversarial position has been created by an aggrandizement that never belongs to a true servant. 

The Disciples did not get it either – the pursuit of position. 

I want to digress here and look at the human dimension which often reflects much of the alignments with the spiritual realm. In the last week of Jesus ministry, and arguably on the same day, Jesus had to not only contend with pride, position and power issues amongst His closest followers, but also made manifest the most profound aspects of who He was and the core nature of this unparalleled Trinitarian Godhead. 

Luke records a rebuke that sees Jesus reminding those closest of disciples, who have been living in intense proximity with Him for three years, what they should most well and truly have understood – but did not. In essence Jesus was saying, my Kingdom does not function the same way the secular empires do. They are about position, power, and profile, but NOT My Kingdom. It is an upside-down Kingdom. 

Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.  For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.

(Luke 22:24-27, NKJV) 

However, it is the youngest of the Disciples, John the Beloved, who is privileged with recording the object lesson to not only make the point, but manifest in the most breathtaking manner, the essential posture of heaven. Not only does Jesus shatter cultural norms and expectations, He demonstrates in the most effective Theophonic manner exactly how the Trinity is in Their preferred Posture. 

After the washing of the feet (much more than just symbolism) it is then, and only in that context, Jesus delivers what only G_D could do, a New Commandment. A transcendent command – not suggestion – that compels His Body, the Church into a new level of communal and relational collaboration that would set it so completely apart from all other religious and spiritual concepts. However, it is only in the posture of this Kingdom community that this could happen. 

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 

So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

(John 13: 3 -17; 31-35 NKJV) 

I was attending a Christian leaders network luncheon when a colleague in the meeting, Spiros Bellos, a dear Greek brother, was sharing a recent divine prompt he had received. Ross, as he is referred to, shared how utterly provoked he was at what he was shown.  He related the following. 

The first key Theophanies in Scripture (other than to Father Abraham), Moses and the burning bush, as well as Joshua before battle, recorded that both these men were to take off their shoes and bow, for they were on holy ground. However, when this same Jesus – G_d Incarnated, G_d in available form – He takes off his garment, bares this flesh in the most humiliating way and washes the dirty feet of mere men! This struck him (as it did me) with how utterly apart this God of the Bible is from any other deity concept. 

Ross was unaware of my musings on this issue, but as you can see it feeds into this reflective perspective piece. 

Now, as intimated, it is my contention that this action, this manifestation of the Second Person of the Trinity, on full and unfiltered display was what the Angels had missed. 

Before Angels were created the Triune God existed. The question could be asked; were the Angels created before the universe or as part of it? I would hazard the latter, also being created beings. However, if created before the universe, then they would have witnessed how it was done and they would perhaps better known the THREE, but if latter they would not necessarily have known the THREE fully – The Father of all – The Hovering presence of the Spirit – The Medium of Creation, Jesus the Son through whom all things were created (Colossians 1 and John 1: 1-4) 

Though I’m not quoting chapter and verse, the following speculation is drawn from all aspects of the Scriptures and their prophetic, poetic, prescription, proscription and historicity, we can glean a narrative that may shed some light on what happened in heaven to precipitate an Angelic rebellion. 

Whilst apocryphal writings name potentially seven Archangels, the Biblical Cannon only affirms potentially three (one clearly titled – Michael) by name if you consider Gabriel and Lucifer as such.   Following that assumption, I suggest it is the fall of one of the three ‘Chief’ angels, and it would appear a third of the angelic host – a trinity of sub-authorities, Principalities and Powers if you like. 

Again (I am assuming) it would appear that Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer all had authority over some, for want of a better word, ‘portfolio’ – Tradition, as we’ve already reflected on, has it that Lucifer led worship in heaven, whilst we see in scripture that Michael served more as a Commander and Gabriel as a Messenger. 

So, comes the important question, how does one, so close to the Creator of all get so out of shape to a point of rebelling and trying to potentially assume the Role of being The Son – a role or position not for his person. What might have happened to precipitate such a monumental failing, then fall? 

Again, we can only surmise, but I would like to posit, that it appears, in the exercising of his service to YHWH, the Archangel Lucifer develops a sense of entitlement. Servanthood is no longer the posture; he now seeks position.  What may contribute to this? 

As mentioned earlier, intensity and proximity with The Creator could generate a potential familiarity? 
Supervising accolade and leading exaltation in that proximity to this Ultimate Being, could well generate a sense of importance? Certainly, in an entity becoming more entitled. 
This role and function of service has no doubt adding to both attention and affection, perhaps leading to Lucifer being referred to by the title which we have previously mentioned, ‘The Son of the Morning –Shining Star’. No longer just a role of service and posture of servant but sees himself with an elevated a position and ‘title’. 

What may this be a recipe for? A prototypical example of pride, importance, and the seeking for status this can imbue? 

So, we can draw some reasonable conclusions that the Archangel Lucifer has, 

  • High profile 
  • Prominent position 
  • Profound performance 

Certainly, in our current first world ‘humanity’ and its brand obsessed culture, these capacities are assets that can be traded on as they are given worth. Pride in them, we are encouraged, assists these and they are subsequently paraded and rewarded. 

Now, here is where it gets interesting, at least from my reflections. 

I do not think the Angels fully understood the Godhead as a fully formed and eternally existing Trinity or how this utterly unique model truly functioned. One clear evidence of this in apocryphal writings (which we are to be very sceptical of) and Biblical reporting, is that the Angel, arguably, closest to the Godhead wanted to be declared the SON – the Second Person of the Godhead. 

Some interesting questions arise, 

  • Did Lucifer believe it was a position on offer – so it either appears to be ‘vacant’ or he and the cohort of Angels simply did not see or understand this dimension and relationship model? 
  • Did not understand, to use C.S. Lewis’s Narnian terminology, the ‘deep magic’ that existed before even angels were created? And/or 
  • Lucifer did not know or recognize Jesus as The Son? 

If these summations have any element of accuracy then one could conclude, as some theologians in ancient times did, that the Trinity was not always co-eternal. These theological variants, though ultimately dismissed by numerous councils, believe that at creation there was only Father and Spirit, the need for the Son for sacrifice had not yet been necessary – so not yet needed, chosen or even begotten? Of course, one small reflection on the quality of this Eternal and Omniscient Creator assures us all was understood from the very beginning, even though purposes and intentions will be interrupted. 

Another idea that got traction, but was also dismissed, was that the Son was not yet chosen or begotten, or more likely, that the very essence of the nature of the Trinity and the demands of it were not at all understood by these created bright ones and yet to be revealed, or more likely not perceived by these also limited beings. 

In my limited perspective on this, it would appear that most, if not all of the Angels didn’t really recognize Jesus the Son. 

Now the next important question presents; why may that be? Why didn’t they see or at the very least, perceive Jesus as The Son? 

I reiterate, this Trinity has position, profile, power, but also posture. The obvious and easily recognized aspects of position, powerful profile and transcendence were the clear qualities of the Ultimate Being beyond the universe, not just in it. However, there is so much more going on, and to those caught up in power, position and profile miss the imperatives of this perfect and seminal Creator model of true relational, interdependent, and collaborative community. 

We see it was left in all human history for Judeo-Christianity to bring the world the Perfect Deity. The most profound, if not paradoxical Entity ever considered by the created intellect and consciousness. 

We see in Christ – God incarnating – clothed, clad, encased in such comparatively abased forms that this posture, along with the absolute Divine Transcendent and sublimely above and beyond all we could imagine, can only find its capacity in the perfect Deity. 

This capacity to embrace, from the very core, utter humility, servanthood, and sacrifice, existed before the advent of Angels, and only in this utterly perfect Deity. 

This preferring of and deferring too, serving, caring, giving and surrendering one to the other in perfect grace and wisdom was always in play and YHWH first creation, the Prince  Powers and Angels were not getting it fully, even in their more predetermined understandings. 

Let me offer another even more bold speculation that may assist us in glimpsing into that which is ‘patchy’ at best. 

Jesus, the Second person in the Trinity was all about Trinitarian Culture – He, as we have mentioned was the ‘medium’ through which ALL was created, and nothing that was made, was not made except though Him… He knows how it ALL works and Works in it ALL! 

I commend to you that Jesus was serving profoundly, yet as all true servants should, quietly consistently among the angels all the time. 

Not ‘incognito’, rather in full servant mode. He is serving among the other servant angels, as only the Author of such postures could serve. 

Now, bear with me; Perhaps polishing the ‘streets of gold’, or bringing water to other servants? Just being an anonymous part of the serving ranks, modelling the sacrificial and servant heart. No one really noticed – perhaps even took it for granted? He was ‘rank and file’. No Agent of profile or rank like Michael, Gabriel or Lucifer? 

But then – the Son is revealed with creation of the World and humanity, with a new model for full potential for complete relationship. Creatures made in the very image of God – yes in ‘features’, but more in components – Mind, Body and Spirit – and with a complete independent will created by and to be part of that wonderful Trinitarian community relationship. 

It is now time for JESUS, the SON to reveal another profound aspect of His capacity and call – a fullness that will show even more how this Triune God operates. 

Again, work with me here (but also challenge and robustly test this) as I continue to speculate… 

It is in this space that all the angels have the eyes of their understanding opened, and Lucifer – the Shining One – the high-profile leader of worship may have seen for the first time, with all others, what had been missed, and perhaps declared;

‘What! This ‘one’ is the Son? No, this cannot be! Look at who I am! What I have done and the rank I hold! This nobody cannot be The One, He does not hold a candle to my star!’ 

Again, complete speculation on my part, but perhaps uttering the first words of toxic pride in all Creation? 

At this point I want to quote Andrew Murray from opening paragraphs of his essay ‘Humility’ 

“The life God bestows is imparted not once for all but each moment by the increasing operation of His mighty power. Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is from the very nature of things the first duty and highest virtue of His creatures. 

And so, pride – the loss of humility – is the root of every sin and evil. It was when the now fallen Angels began to look upon themselves with self-complacency that they were led to disobedience and were cast down from the light of heaven into outer darkness. Likewise, it was when the serpent breathed the poison of his pride – the desire to be as God – into the hearts of our first parents, that they too fell from their high estate into the wretchedness to which all humankind has sunk. In heaven and on earth, pride or self-exaltation is the very gateway to hell.” 

It may be that such a revelation, has crashed so heavily into Lucifers new egocentric vision of entitlement and authority, that it could not now be seen as a marvellous unveiling or revelation, but rather a demolition of his aspiration – the aspiration to ‘godhood’. 

A vision now so completely misaligned with the core nature of YHWH and His creation agenda. 

A vision the Adversary (as Lucifer was soon to be known) would sow into the new extended community – the created family of humanity. 

All this revelation and manifestation of the Divine could compel a humility unto surrender, or generate insult, offence, and outrage? The latter can only lead to rebellion, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Jesus Christ’s work on earth also makes manifest, profoundly manifest. He manifest the antithesis of what Lucifer believed was the essence of the Divine. Those dimensions are not the key, it is the this subtle, out of the limelight, behind the scenes service, care, and love that truly express the complete nature of the Perfect Divine. 

Jesus the Christ – The Second Person of the Triune Godhead – The ONE through which all things were created and consist – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Col 1:15-17) 

This God in available form, but GOD nonetheless, did His best, most profound work, in the margins… 

  • Lived as one of us and all that means 
  • Being born in obscurity and frailty 
  • Infant life as a refugee 
  • Was itinerant and essentially homeless 
  • Actively discouraged publicity and notoriety 
  • Worked more strategically with individuals than with mass movement (Samaritan woman, Demonic of Gennesaret,) 
  • Partnered with the culturally marginalized – Shepherds, Women and Fishermen 
  • Engaged and mobilized the stigmatized and outcasts – lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors 

My limited writing skills cannot do this significant narrative real justice. So, I do want to finish out with words of someone far more capable than I. Read more from the insightful Pastor, Theologian and writer, Andrew Murray 

“In the gospel of John we have the inner life of our Lord laid open before us. Jesus spoke frequently of Hi relationship to the Father, of the motives by which He was guided, of His consciousness of the power and Spirit in which He acted. Though the word humble does not occur in Scripture, the humility of Christ is clearly revealed. WE have already said that this virtue is nothing but the simple consent of the creature to let God be all, the surrender of itself to His working alone. In Jesus we see how both as the Son of God in heaven and the Sone of Man on earth, He took the place of entire subordination and gave God the Father the honour and glory due Him. What He taught so often was true of himself: “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). As it is written, “He humble Himself…Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:8-9) 

  •  “The Son can do nothing by Himself” (John 5:19) 
  • “By Myself I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and My judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me.” (John 5:30) 
  • “I do not accept praise from men” (John 5:41) 
  • “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will” (John 6:38) 
  • “My teaching is not my own” (John 7:16) 
  • “I am here not on my own” (John7:28) 
  • “I do nothing on my own” (John 8:28) 
  • “I have not come on my own; be He sent me” (John 8:42) 
  • “I am not seeking glory for myself” (John 8:50) 
  • “The world I say to you are not just my own” (John 14:10) 
  • “These words you hear are not my own” (John 14:24) 

These words of testimony, spoken by the Lord himself, reveal the deepest motivation of His life and work. They show how the Father was able to work His redemptions through the Son. They show the state of heart that became Him as the Son of the Father. They teach us the essential nature and life of the redemption that Christ accomplished and now communicates to us. It is this He was nothing that God might be all…He said, I am nothing. I have given myself to the Father to work; He is all. 

This life of entire self-abnegation, of absolute submission and dependence upon the Father’s will, Christ found to be the source of perfect peace and joy. He lost nothing by given all to God. God honoured His trust and did all for Him, and then exalted Him to His own right hand of glory. And because Christ humble Himself before God, and God was ever before Him, He found it possible to humble Himself before men, too, and to be the Servant of all…It was because this humility was not only a temporary sentiment awakened in Him when He thought of God but also was the spirit of His whole life, that Jesus was as humble in Hi relationship with men and women as He was with God. He felt himself to be the Servant of God for those who God created and loved. As a natural consequence, He counted himself the Servant of mean and women so that through Him God might do His work of love.” 

Humility (Andrew Murray) pp 31-34) 

 

by, Shane Wesley Varcoe 

Appendix 

Bible verses for: Jesus Christ, Son of God 

John 1:1-2 
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. 
  
John 1:14 
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 
  
Matthew 1:23 
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." 
  
John 20:17 
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” 
  
Ephesians 3:14-15 
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 
  
John 1:18 
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. 
  
John 5:18 
Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 
  
John 17:5 
And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 
  
Hebrews 7:3 
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. 
  
Isaiah 7:14 
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. 
  
Matthew 1:25 
and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. 
  
Matthew 11:27 
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 
  
Matthew 16:13-16 
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' 
  
Luke 1:35 
And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 
  
John 8:29 
And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." 
  
John 14:10 
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 
  
John 14:28 
You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I. 
  
John 17:21 
that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 
  
Romans 8:3 
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 
  
Hebrews 1:2 
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 
  
1 John 3:1 
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.