Among the many hymns written by Isaac Watts, the 18th-century hymnist and theologian, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" may be considered his magnum opus. The five-stanza hymn begins:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

These ideas are radical and counterintuitive to accept, much less hear, in our self-centered, win-at-any-cost culture. Where did Watts find his inspiration?

Naturally, his theology was shaped by his understanding of the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:35-36) The Apostle Paul taught, “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 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 2:5-8)

So, how do we put this theology into practice? First, we can do everything possible to walk humbly with others, considering their needs to be as important as our own. Second, we can strive to follow the example of Jesus, who came to serve rather than be served. In response to Jesus’ humility, “God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names.” (Philippians 2:9)

These exhortations are easy to say but extremely difficult to live. Therefore, may the Collect (prayer) for Palm Sunday guide us: Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon himself our nature and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility. Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.