I’d like to think that I have matured through the years, that I’m not as childish as I once was, not as sensitive, prideful, self-centered. I’d like to think that way, but there is plenty of evidence to the contrary! When I think back on some of my more embarrassing moments, they are most often times when I was shamed in front of people, when I looked “less-than,” when I didn’t live up to my own self-image. And my anger frequently showed when I looked bad or “less-than” in my own eyes. These memories are now embarrassing to me… but equally so, since I find myself still acting and feeling that way! I am still waaaay too sensitive to how others view me, still much too aware of my image, my reputation.
Of course, in some ways there is nothing wrong with defending your honor, protecting your public image or avoiding embarrassing circumstances. In many situations, that is the right and wise thing to do.
But more frequently than I want to admit, the Bible instructs us to follow after Jesus, to model our life upon His own and to act as He did. How is that? How did Jesus act? He acted out of humility and having experienced “humiliation.” It is impossible to read the story of Jesus and not see His “humiliation.”
We tend to think of “humiliation” as a bad thing, something that happens to us, against our will, something making us look bad or inadequate. But, our sensitivity to any act of “humiliation” is more a reflection of our inflated view of ourselves than anything else. “Humiliation” is being put in a lower position than what is deserved—and for most of us our sin is much greater than we think. Being brought a bit low might do us some good!
But what about the “humiliation” of Jesus? Where does He experience “the process of being put in a lower position than what is deserved?” Obviously, Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane, His unjust arrest, beatings, condemnation and ultimate crucifixion—all these are undeserved and a source of humiliation for the Sovereign of the universe. It is here where the challenge goes forth to all believers: “take up your cross and follow me!” (Matthew 16:24).
The humiliation of Jesus, however, is not simply something that is done to Him by others. Jesus is not a victim of others’ humiliating acts. Years before His sacrifice on the cross, the Son of God acted in a way to “lower Himself,” to put aside what is rightfully His and to take up a humiliating position. At His incarnation, the Son emptied Himself and took on the nature of a servant, coming as a human, eschewing the prerogatives of His divinity. Imagine: giving up the powers, authority and glory of the Lord God, to act as a servant in humanity. The Almighty, the Sovereign, the Creator becomes a frail, finite, limited human, and He does so voluntarily. Now that’s humility; that’s a humiliation.
If the Scriptures are to be believed and followed, that is the attitude we are to hold as well—an attitude where we willingly give up our status (real or imagined) and assume a “lower” role, so that others might benefit. To experience this kind of “humiliation,” far from being embarrassing and/or something to be avoided, this kind of “humiliation” is the essence of our faith, for it is the essence of our Savior.
You can prepare for worship this week by reflecting on Philippians 2:1-11.
- What is Paul’s point in verses 1-5? What prompts his writing here? How does this lead into his description of Jesus in verses 6-11?
- Verses 6-11 are often thought of as an existing early Christian hymn celebrating Jesus and recounting the truths of His person and work. What sounds “hymn-like” or poetic in these verses? Can you identify why some think of it this way?
- Make a list of all the phrases Paul uses to describe Jesus: “in the form of God”; “not grasping equality with God”; etc. How might each be rephrased to explain Paul’s thought?
- These verses (6-11) are often sub-divided between the “humiliation of Jesus” in verses 6-8 and “His exaltation” in verses 9-11. How is the “humiliation” described? How is the “exaltation” described?
- Look again at verse 5—the hymn of Jesus is intended to inspire us to follow Him. How do these words do that? How do they inspire?
By Henry Knapp