Christian Reflection and Prayer

Humility

t has always amazed me that Jesus, the King of kings,
humbled Himself and came to earth to be our suffering
Servant. He was not born in the palace of the kings.
Indeed, He could have ordered the angels of heaven to
come and prepare a grand building, which could be
substituted for the Bethlehem stable and manger.

When King Herod tried to have the Savior murdered,
Jesus could have transported Himself, Mary, and Joseph
to a place of safety. He could have commandeered a
chariot of fire like Elijah's. He could have ordered the
sands of the desert to blind and confuse the soldiers,
or He might have simply struck down anyone who
opposed Him.

As the Savior hung on the cross, He had the power to
switch places with those who had put Him there. Being
God's Son, Jesus could have done many things to make
His life on earth easier. He could have done those things,
but He didn't. Instead, He chose to live His life in poverty
and humility.

But why?

Had I been in His place I would have used all my authority
to save myself from the attack of my enemies. If I had
been Jesus, I would have performed a miracle to frighten
my enemies and force them to keep their distance.

But Jesus didn't do any of those things. Instead, He
humbled himself even unto death. Jesus gave up all earthly
glory and allowed Himself to be taken by His persecutors
and murderers.

Paul helps us understand in His epistle to the Philippians.
There He says, "Your attitude should be the same as that
of Christ Jesus. ... (He) took on the nature of a servant. ...
As a man He humbled Himself and became obedient unto
death, even death on the cross" (See Philippians 5:5-8).

Now, because Jesus, true Man and true God has fulfilled
the Commandments for us, has defeated temptations for
us, and conquered death for us, all who believe on Him as
Savior are washed, cleansed, forgiven and saved. Now all
that is left for His people to do is follow their Lord in humility.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the humble and sacrificial
work You did for us. Help us to be humble in our daily
contacts with others. This we ask so souls might be won
for Your kingdom. In Your Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)