As we begin the second week of Lent, let’s turn our eyes and our hearts to the humility of Jesus. Rather than attempting to summarize the humility of Jesus in our own words, let us read Philippians 2:6-8.
“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8
These words are striking. Pause for a moment, close your eyes, and try to imagine it. Imagine Jesus, fully God and existing with God the Father, choosing to give up his position and be born an infant, just like you and me. Subjecting himself to life in a fallen and broken world, all the while knowing he was coming to be a perfect sacrifice, an innocent Savior for sinners. Oh, what kindness! Let your mind be overwhelmed by this truth.
One important detail to note is Jesus’s humbling himself is in obedience to the will of Father. We see this again when Jesus prays, “Yet not what I will, but what you will” in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. We can humbly submit ourselves to the will of God knowing that in doing so we are following in the footsteps of our savior. Let your heart and mind be moved to humility by reflecting on these lyrics.
Your will be done, my God and Father
As in Heaven, so on Earth
My heart is drawn to self-exalting
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray
“Father, not my will but Yours be done”
How in that Garden He persisted
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience
It was held by Him alone
What wondrous faith to bear that cross
To bear my sin, what wondrous love
My hope was sure, when there my Savior prayed
“Father, not my will but Yours be done”
– Your Will Be Done, City Alight
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on the last week, and see if you can identify any times where you did not respond to a person or circumstance with humility. Confess those to God and ask for forgiveness.
Thank Jesus in prayer for his humility. Share with him any thoughts or feelings that are stirring within you as you focus on his death on the cross.
Ask God if there are any areas of your life where he’s calling you to sacrifice or submit to his will. Share any specific ideas with a family member or friend that you live in community with and walk in obedience to where you think God is leading you.
