He Humbled Himself

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Paul encourages the Philippians to be humble and to put the needs of others ahead of their own (Phil. 2:1-4). This is counterintuitive to us as human beings, so he provides the perfect example: Jesus.

Jesus is God. From all eternity he “was in the form of God.” If anyone has the right to not be humble, it’s Jesus. And yet, he did not cling to or exploit his divinity for selfish gain but appeared in the form of a man and gave himself up for us. He saw our desperate need and considered our needs above his personal comfort. He was humbled, emptied and killed for our sake so that we would be saved! Greater love has no one than this (Jn. 15:13). This is the example of humility we are called to.

Christ is alive again and he is with us as our helper! He is exalted and worthy to be praised and even now continues to help us. When we are inclined to pride and selfishness, let us remember Christ who was humbled for us. Let us desire and strive to love and consider others in the same way!