Philippians 2:5-8

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.

As we draw near to Easter, we are reminded of Jesus Christ’s humility.

Though He was God, He gave up the rights and privileges of the Godhead. It’s such a mystery to fathom! He emptied Himself of all the attributes of God – power, glory and position. He left heaven and came to the earth He created. He left light and stepped into this dark world. So goes the lyrics of the famous worship song, Here I am to worship.

All this He did to do His Father’s will.

He took on the frame of a mortal man and experienced all his frailties. He humbled Himself in the form of a servant and was of no reputation. It is said that Jesus was too much of an ordinary man that he was unrecognizable in a crowd! He took on the position of a lowly servant.

He was tempted in all ways as we but did not sin. Though he had no sin, He took on the punishment for our sin. He was beaten and injured beyond recognition. He endured all suffering for sinful man’s sake to the point of death on a cross. What a gruelling death!

Christ is the perfect example of humility. We are urged to have the same mind like His. We are called to be humble just like He was. He is present to encourage us all the way through the Spirit.

We are admonished to do nothing out of selfish ambition and conceit.

We should think of others first before ourselves just like Christ thought of sinners before Himself. We ought to put their interests ahead of ours. This is only possible through love expressed through affection and sympathy for others. Check out the affection Paul and Timothy had for the saints in Philippi. Love will motivate us to preach the gospel to the unbelievers so that they may also partake of God’s love. (Phil. 1:16, 2:1-3)

Joy will help us endure suffering. In this world, we shall suffer just like Christ did. Suffering for the gospel and our faith in God at the hands of men in a crooked and twisted generation! We shall suffer for the sake of Christ! (Phil. 1:29) That Christ may be honoured in our body in death or in life!

All this is possible through obedience to God. Christ was obedient to God to the point of death. He is the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world. He gave up His life to serve the Father’s purpose to save mankind. God worked through Christ’s suffering and will work through our suffering for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

If we share in his sufferings, we shall share in His glory!