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PERFECT HUMILITY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
Philippians 2:5-7

Proverbs 22:3-5

 

“But made himself

of no reputation…”

 

PERFECT HUMILITY
 
In His incarnation, Jesus left heaven’s glories and became a man on this earth. He did not do so grudgingly or reluctantly, but willingly out of love towards us. It is a perfect example of selflessness and humility.
 
Jesus was “in the form of God” (Phil 2:6). This means that He was (and is) God. It does not just mean that He was like God or had some aspects of being God. Jesus is indeed “equal with God” (Phil 2:6), fully and completely God. He always has been, and always will be. He was in heaven, with all the divine glory associated with being God: all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, unrestricted by time and space. He was perfect in all His ways, infinite and eternal. Words cannot adequately describe the greatness, majesty, resplendence, and power of God.
 
Yet, Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (Phil 2:6). What this means is that He did not think that having all the benefits of being God was a highly prized possession that He must strive for, or something that one would hold tightly to and to be retained at all costs.
 
Christ voluntarily left His throne in heaven. He “made himself of no reputation” (Phil 2:7) to come into the world to be our Saviour. Out of love, He willingly set self aside, that we may be saved. He did not set aside His divine nature or cease to be perfect as God. He continued to be 100% God, but is now also 100% man. He forsook the divine rights and privileges of being in heaven and allowed His divinity to be veiled for a season, in order that He could become the unique God-Man. As a man, Jesus was subject to the limitations of His earthly body. He was fixed to be in one place at one time. Though He never stopped being omniscient, yet in His humanity, He chose not to exercise it.
 
Indeed, what a beautiful picture of humility this is. Christ gave up so much for our sakes. In Him, we see a humility that far exceeds anything that we can ever do in return for Him. Paul called on us to have such a mind of Christ. Will we be willing to make such sacrifices for the sake of others? Can we love one another, as Christ has loved us?
 
THOUGHT: Did I do anything to deserve such a selfless sacrifice?

PRAYER: Teach me to comprehend the magnitude of Christ’s love!

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