The Way of Self-Emptying and Exaltation
Like a seed that breaks open in hiddenness, life in Jesus springs forth through surrender.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones reminds us that the mind of Jesus was one of complete self-surrender. Philippians 2:5-11 outlines the path of Jesus, who emptied Himself, humbled Himself, and became obedient to death on a cross. From that deepest place of renunciation, the Father exalted Him, giving Him the name above every name. Jones makes clear that when we take on the mind of Jesus, we find our truest self not by clinging to our own importance but by letting go. In losing ourselves, we discover who we were created to be.
Jones shows us that this law of life, losing the self-life to gain true life, is not a grim demand but a liberating reality. In union with Jesus, we enter into His surrender, and we are also raised with Him into victory and rulership. Our personality is not erased but affirmed in its fullest sense, as we share His throne and His triumph. Humanism, with its self-affirmation rooted only in man, pales beside this glory. To live in Him is to live with meaning both now and forever.
The invitation is simple but life-altering. Will we take on the mind of Jesus, laying aside our pride and embracing His path of humility and trust? Jones shows us that in doing so, we are not diminished but enlarged. The name that is above every name becomes the covering over our lives. We are identified not by striving or self-achievement, but by our union with the One who reigns over all.
We can thank E. Stanley Jones for pointing us to this freeing truth. To hit bottom with Jesus is also to rise with Him. To surrender is to be exalted. To lose ourselves is to find ourselves, complete in Him.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, take on the mind of My Son. He did not cling to His equality with Me but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself even to the cross. In His humility He was lifted to the highest place, and in Him you too are lifted.
Do not fear the path of surrender. In your union with Jesus, you are not erased but affirmed. When you lay aside pride and self-importance, you discover that your true identity is hidden with Christ in Me. Your life is not lost; it is found in the One whose name is above every name.
Walk with the confidence that you share in His victory. You are seated with Him, and nothing can separate you from His love. The world’s affirmation is small and fleeting, but in Him you are joined to the eternal. Rest in that truth, for to lose yourself in Him is to gain everything.
Scripture References: Philippians 2:5-11, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 3:3-4, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4-11, Revelation 3:21, John 15:4-5, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, John 12:24-26, Matthew 23:12.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a seed planted deep in the soil. To the outside eye, it seems like loss, buried and forgotten. But in that hidden place, it begins to break open and release life. The very act of surrendering its outer shell is what allows it to grow into something far greater than itself.
In the same way, when I trust the indwelling Spirit of Jesus to lead me into humility and surrender, I find that life springs up where pride once held me captive. Today, if I face a situation where I want to cling to control, I can quietly say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment.” That trust turns what looks like loss into the fertile ground of growth and freedom.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that in surrendering to You, I lose nothing of worth and gain everything that is eternal. You have given me the mind of Jesus, who emptied Himself and was exalted to the highest place. I rest in the truth that my identity is not in myself but in You. Thank You that in laying myself down, I rise with You in victory and purpose.