I was at the memorial service of a great Christian educator, whom I had known for many years. His brother said a few words in remembering this man if God. It was as if he spoke directly to his departed brother. He said, “You have taught us that we only have the right to look down on someone when we are there to help them get up.” I can think of nothing that captures the heart of Jesus more than what he said. I knew his brother for many years. He was a selfless servant of God, who now is enjoying his rewards in heaven. He not only taught others humility and compassion, but lived it, himself. He was an example to all of us.
Philippians 2:3-8 (NKJV) says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. {5} Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, {6} who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {7} but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
What a wonderfully teachable moment this can be for us, concerning how we ought to look at others. Jesus was lifted up (He was crucified) by an act of evil men who looked down upon Him, even as they looked up at Him on the cross. He responded just as we should. He said, “Father, forgive them.” now, that is something about which you can reflect, below!