“Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8)
As God became flesh and walked the earth, He faced the same challenges, temptations, and trials that we do. How did He do it? If the secrets of Jesus’ life on earth were rooted in fellowship with His Father and constant dependence on Him, it would be good to find ways to live in like manner.
Jesus always looked to the Father, “who is greater than I,” knowing God was His life. As the Son kept His eyes on the Father, so we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely greater than us… and who is our life. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2) “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)
If our eyes are on Jesus, we stay in focus. When our eyes are elsewhere, priorities get confused and life becomes complicated. Jesus lived a life that was uncomplicated. He looked to the Father, listened to what He said, and did what He was told. Is it possible each day for us to look to Jesus, listen to what He says, and do what He tells us?
For Jesus, fellowship with the Father also included walking in the Spirit. At His baptism, the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove and the Father proclaimed: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) As Jesus followed the Spirit’s lead, He pleased His Father by genuinely loving others.
We are also loved by the Father and He has given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Counselor. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) The Holy Spirit will show us how to love others and the Father will receive much glory.
Paul wrote: “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will receive eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8) Jesus said: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true and living God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) Knowing the Father, Son, and Spirit… keeping our eyes fixed on the Savior… walking in the Spirit… living in fellowship with God… this is true life.
“And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” I John 1:3
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10