Imitating Christ’s Humility

“Let this same attitude and purpose and (humble) mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: (let Him be your example) in who, although being essentially equal  with God and in the form of God (possessing the fullness which made God God), did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained. But stripped Himself (of all the privileges and rightful dignity) so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave) in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after he has appeared in human form, he abased and humbled Himself (still further) and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of cross.” (Philippians 2: 5-8 (Amplified Bible))

Palm Sunday or Sunday before Easter otherwise called Passion Sunday is celebrated to mark our Lord’s jubilant and triumphal entry into Jerusalem some 2000 years ago.

Jesus rode on a donkey (symbol of humility) in total contrast to the tradition of the Roman Generals who made their victory processions into cities riding on horses (symbol of strength, power and pride).

However enthusiastic crowds gathered to great Him. The people spread branches from trees on the road in front of Him (Matt 21:8); others took branches of palms (John 12:13) into their hands and cheering, cried out “Hosanna (praise) to the Son of David… Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…! Hosanna in the highest.”

The choice of a donkey to celebrate His coming victory over death reminds us of the humility which characterized His ministry from birth to death.

At conception He took our nature  (Phil 2: 7).  For surely He took not on Him the nature of Angels but took on Him the seed of Abraham (Heb 2:16). At birth He chose to be born in a manger. (Luke 2:7). For His earthly father, he chose a carpenter. At baptism he submitted to a subordinate (Matt. 3: 13-15).

In relationship to His disciples, He chose to wash their feet (John 13: 5) thus reversing the tradition of the least washing the feet of the master. For his Victory procession He chose a donkey. At death He chose to die on the cross in company of the lowly and criminals and was buried in a borrowed tomb.

For His humility and obedience even unto death, He was rewarded by being highly exalted and given a name above every other name, that at the mention of His name every knee in heaven and on earth and those under the earth shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2: 9-11).

For us to share in His victory Paul advises “let this same mindset be also in you which was also in Christ…” who:-

1. though equal with God, humbled Himself

2. laid aside His divine form

3. made Himself of no reputation

4. took the form of a servant

5. was made in the likeness of man

6.         humbled Himself from divine form to human form and from sinless humanity to sinful and corrupt nature.

7. became obedient unto death

 

Christ’s mindset must be seen in us

1. Mindset of humility

2. Mindset of obedience to the word and will of God

3. Mindset of laying aside our exalted positions in the service of God and humanity.

4. Mindset of self denial

5.     Mindset of seeing ourselves as not more important than others

6.     Mindset of subjecting to authorities, both religious and secular

7.   Mindset of seeing ourselves as nothing before God and acknowledging our helplessness without Him.

As imitators of Christ, we should look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. This is the only antidote to the mindless greed and corruption plaguing our nation today.

We must look for opportunities to serve rather than opportunities to be served. We should use our positions to serve humanity instead of using such opportunities to enrich ourselves. We should be willing to perform the most menial services for the interest of the gospel and people. We must realize and gratefully acknowledge that all that we have, come from God. Paul declared: “By the grace of God, I am what I am…” (I Cor. 15:10).

We are to make the Lord Jesus our model and in full respect frame our lives as far as possible in accordance with His examples. He left a state of inexpressible glory and took upon Him the most humble form of humanity and performed the most lowly offices that might benefit us. We must choose humility over pride because it is only by the grace of God and love that we have the ability to serve others. When we imitate Christ’s humility, we must do so not for recognition or to receive a pat on the back, but we do so for the glory of God.

Do our lives reflect the characteristics of Christ? Are we humble?

The opposite of the spirit of humility is that of pride. That does not come from God.    The word of God says “humble yourselves in the sight of God and he will lift you up (James 4: 10). This is the only way to celebrate a victorious Palm Sunday.

Have a meaningful celebration as you humble yourself after the pattern of the King who chose to die for His subjects!

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
S. Igein Isemede.