Jesus falls first time, © bibleplaces.com, used by permission.

FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO THE CROSS

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

 

These are some of the most profound descriptions of Jesus in the entire Bible. Known as the “Christ Hymn,” Paul urges us to adopt the same mindset as that of Jesus. Jesus, though fully divine and equal with the Father, chose humility and emptied Himself. He did not cling to His divine privileges. He laid aside the glory and rights of deity, took on human flesh, and came as a servant. And then His humility went even deeper: He became obedient to the point of the most shameful death possible, death on a cross.

The humility of Jesus is one of the deepest mysteries of our faith. It is the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Jesus left His heavenly throne and was born into poverty, lived in obscurity, fed people and washed dirty feet, and then died for people who hated him. He did not seek status, power, or comfort, but gave everything for our salvation.

It is a struggle for us to embrace humility. We have a deep desire for status, a longing to be seen as intelligent, or at least a strong need to be right. We have trouble surrendering control and choosing to serve others over ourselves. But in a world that encourages self-promotion, Jesus was different. He modeled self-emptying.

The journey from the mountain to the cross shows us that true greatness is found in serving others and obeying God’s call, even when it leads down difficult roads. Jesus’ obedience—even to the point of death—offers us both an example and an invitation. We are encouraged to surrender our pride, walk in humility, and trust God’s power to lift us up. Every act of humility reflects the glory of God and echoes the name of Jesus, before whom every knee will bow.

We can never achieve the same kind of perfection that Jesus displayed, but perhaps we are not meant to. We can only be fully human before God, and in our humanity, we are perfectly redeemed. In our humanity, Jesus is fully glorified. As we follow Jesus, His mindset shapes our hearts through patience, compassion, and sacrificial love.

The Teacher on the mountain became the Savior on the cross. His obedience empowers ours, and this obedience is the complete selflessness to which we are called. Let us seek to serve, to love, and to honor God in all we do, knowing that in humility we find true exaltation.

Lord Jesus,

You laid aside glory to walk among us in love. You laid down Your life that we might find ours. Thank You for this greatest of gifts.

Shape us into kingdom people. Where we cling to pride, teach us to surrender. Where we seek recognition, teach us quiet service. Where we resist lowering ourselves, remind us of Your example. Teach us to reflect Your humility in the way we speak, act, and love others. Help us to trust that true life is found in giving ourselves to You.

Amen.

As we observe the dark hours before the dawn of the resurrection, commit to following Jesus completely. May the humble, obedient servant heart of Jesus increasingly shape us all, bringing glory to God the Father, as we kneel in reverence before the Son who redeemed us.