In Philippians 2, the apostle Paul expounds upon Christ’s humility and its implications for how we live and interact with others. Though we may struggle with the paradox of His infinite power and meekness, Christ’s humility serves as the truest example for us to follow as we adopt His attitude so that the world may confess Jesus as Lord.
How does Christ’s humility encourage us to follow in His steps? How can we joyfully demonstrate Jesus’ sacrificial mindset?
The sufferings of Jesus were rooted in humility as He sought not what was best for Himself, but rather what was for the good of sinful people. His obedience to deny Himself and seek the Father’s will demonstrates the same mindset we should have toward one another. The love Christ has shown us through His humble death exhorts us to show this same love to others, trusting that God will use our humble efforts to shine like stars in a dark world. As followers of Christ, we seek to emulate His self-sacrifice, trusting that God is glorified through it and that we, who are in Christ, will one day be exalted with Him. (1 Peter 5:6) Yet as Paul reminds us, we remember that it is God working in us to help us have the desire and the ability to conform more into the image of Christ. (Phil. 2:13)
While being willing to humbly put another’s needs above ours doesn’t come easy, we can look to Jesus who for the joy set before Him endured the cross––knowing that His sacrificial death would mean everlasting life for us. Though it may seem like rejoicing has no place in humble self-sacrifice, Paul wanted us to see that this fruit of the Spirit is ours for the taking when our eyes are set on Jesus.
Help your kids see that we can find encouragement in Christ’s story, just as the early church did. The reality of Jesus’ suffering helps us live humbly so that we can exalt His name and will above our own. Just as Christ did not begrudgingly take to the cross, so, too, are we to walk in obedient sacrifice, knowing that our hope is not in vain. He rescued us through His own suffering that we might find His strength amidst our lack. When we trust in Him, we find new life and the forgiveness we need.
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