Church Life

His Humility

Christianity Today April 13, 2017

Powered by the New Living Translation

“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.”

Philippians 2:7–8

View in context

Today’s Verse

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.

April Yamasaki is a pastor and the author of several books, including Christ Is for Us. Learn more at AprilYamasaki.com. Excerpted from Christ Is for Us © 2016 by Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House. (All Scripture quotations within these excerpts are drawn from the Common English Bible © 2011.) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Our Latest

Excerpt

There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Proper’ Christmas Carol

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition.

Glory to God in the Highest Calling

Motherhood is honorable, but being a disciple of Jesus is every woman’s primary biblical vocation.

Advent Doesn’t Have to Make Sense

As a curator, I love how contemporary art makes the world feel strange. So does the story of Jesus’ birth.

Advent Calls Us Out of Our Despair

Sitting in the dark helps us truly appreciate the light.

Public Theology Project

The Star of Bethlehem Is a Zodiac Killer

How Christmas upends everything that draws our culture to astrology.

News

As Malibu Burns, Pepperdine Withstands the Fire

University president praises the community’s “calm resilience” as students and staff shelter in place in fireproof buildings.

The Russell Moore Show

My Favorite Books of 2024

Ashley Hales, CT’s editorial director for print, and Russell discuss this year’s reads.

News

The Door Is Now Open to Churches in Nepal

Seventeen years after the former Hindu kingdom became a secular state, Christians have a pathway to legal recognition.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube