The Humble Servant
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Dec 9, 2024
- 2 min read
“By doing this, He demonstrated His great love for us and a humility that, since He was fully God, He didn’t need to have, but He did anyway.”
“...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.” Philippians 2:7-8
Every Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Jesus, that sweet little baby resting in His manger with donkeys and sheep looking on. I’m a huge fan of babies, so I would give just about anything to hold baby Jesus, to snuggle Him and smooch that beautiful face. Just the thought of being able to do that makes me emotional.
But today, amidst the chaos and busyness of this season, I want to bring your attention, not to that sweet baby, but to the man who went to the cross for you. In the second chapter of Philippians, Paul gives us a clear example of the humility that Jesus modeled. He encourages us, through his letter to the congregation at Philippi, to humble ourselves the same way. To work in unity with others with encouragement, love, participation in the Spirit, affection, and sympathy. He encourages us to look to the interests of others, empty ourselves of our earthly desires, and instead serve those around us.
Jesus modeled perfect humility by taking on human form, the form of a servant, and dying a criminal’s death. Jesus chose obedience to the point of death, dying a horrific and humiliating death, so we may have eternal life with Him. By doing this, He demonstrated His great love for us and a humility that, since He was fully God, He didn’t need to have, but He did anyway.
As we go about our next few weeks, completing to-do lists, visiting relatives, doing all the family traditions, wrapping, wrapping, and more wrapping of gifts, let’s remember that sweet little baby who grew into the man that chose obedient and humble servitude toward us.
Action Steps:
Christmas is a season of serving, a season that makes us want to serve others. Are you serving with humility? Take another look at the attributes Paul encourages us to have and not have (Philippians 2:1-4) and ask yourself if you’re practicing those in the busyness of this season.
I want to take a moment to highlight in Philippians 2:1, Paul encourages “participation in the Spirit”. I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, to have full authority over you, and to be your Helper this Christmas. (And always)
Written by Cathrine, mom of 4, able and willing to hold your baby