Jesus: model for missional ministry

This post is from the defunct blog "Dying Church"

Of all the models for missional ministry, Jesus is the best. He literally set the standard. The model is astounding. He laid aside his privileges to become a servant to others. He exchanged all he had for nothing. He lived selflessly and died for others. The result is that through him, others found true life (Philippians 2:5-11). Sometimes it's easy to focus on the left side of the equation of dying to self (the dying part). The right side of the equation (resurrection) is pretty exciting. Jesus showed us what would happen when we follow this pattern. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)