Devotions this week are based on Joy in the Journey Week 4: Humility! (WATCH Full Sunday message)
The story of Jesus’ death on the cross is probably one of the most familiar accounts of Jesus’ life. The words of the Gospels play out his arrest, trial and crucifixion. What is hard to appreciate is that he chose crucifixion.
Read that again. He CHOSE crucifixion.
Jesus could have walked away from those in the garden. He put them on their backs. He chose to be arrested.
Jesus could have called down legions of angels to overcome Pilate and his guard. He chose to allow Pilate to have authority over him.
He could have laid out a strong case of legal logic and demand his release. He chose to let the pressure of the crowd and the lies of the leaders condemn him to death.
The crowd took responsibility and was willing to have his blood on their hands and their children. Yet, their evil intent did not negate the loving choice Jesus made to go to the cross.
We can understand Jesus stepping out of heaven.
We can appreciate Jesus taking on the form of a servant.
We can maybe even grasp him having to die.
But die on a Roman cross?
It was the epitome of humility.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
He was not humiliated. He chose humility.
And even from the cross he chose to serve.
He forgave the ones who put him there.
He ensured his mother was taken care of.
He comforted the dying thief next to him.
He suffered separation from his Father.
He finished the work of paying for your sins and mine.
All from the cross.
Because he chose to humble himself.
Our sin deserved death. Jesus was the one who allowed himself to fall under the curse for us.
He died so we might live.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Jesus humbled himself for us so we could find joy in humility.
Forgiving the one who harmed us.
Going out of our way to ensure a friend or relative is taken care of.
Offering comfort of the Gospel when it’s inconvenient but deeply needed.
Even…(fill in the blank).
An attitude of humility leads us to serve others, even when it inconveniences our time, takes us to places we’d rather not go, and challenges us to engage in activities we’d rather avoid.
But that’s what Jesus did for us. So it’s what we get to do for others.
Apply: Where does an attitude of humility take you today? Who is God calling you to humbly serve in a way and with the heart of Jesus?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself in perfect obedience, even to death on a cross. Teach me to walk in Your humility, to surrender my pride, and to serve others with love. May Your cross shape my heart daily, that I may live in awe of Your grace. Amen.