“He gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
The dictionary definition of humility includes being respectful, humble, lowly, meek, modest. The word itself appears so meek and modest that there seem to be many more definitions for what humility is not. Humility is not arrogance, pride, egotism, superiority; it’s not conceited, lofty, presumptuous, or pretentious. Humility is the opposite of all those things.
Jesus showed humility throughout his life and death. Although he was “equal with God” (Phil. 2:6), he set that aside to live in humble circumstances as a human being. A feed trough served as his first bed. Shepherds—who were at the bottom end of the social ladder—were among his first visitors. As a grown man, Jesus entered the building trade like his earthly father, but soon became an itinerant preacher and teacher, spending time with fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes, and other ordinary folk. When he entered Jerusalem for the last time, he rode on a humble donkey. At the end of his life, he was arrested, questioned, tortured, and executed like a common criminal. Yet he did not retaliate, or demand justice, or call down legions of angels to defend himself. Jesus had set aside divinity to take on humanity, “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (v. 8).
Reflect:
Prayerfully read Philippians 2:5–11 with the text of Matthew 27 in mind. What does Jesus’ torture and death reveal to you about the nature of his humility?
Pray:
Invite God to shape your own character to reflect the humility and obedience of Jesus.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
A Christian reconciliation group in Israel and Palestine warned that war would come. Now the war threatens their relevance.españolالعربيةFrançaisрусскийУкраїнська
Beyoncé’s right. Whether listening to Cowboy Carter or reading theology, diversity is a good thing.
