(The following is the March 5 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Luke 2 and pay close attention to verses 4-7.)
If you were the Son of God coming to humankind as a baby, into what family would you come? Would you choose a wealthy royal family with significant influence and resources? That is not what Jesus did.
Jesus’ earthly parental lineage included people of great renown, such as King David. However, Joseph’s and Mary’s social standing was unimpressive. Joseph was a carpenter, and Mary was a young teenager. They were starting their life together and did not have much. Yet, into this couple’s life came God in the flesh. Luke recounts the humble beginning: “Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (v. 7).
Jesus, Creator of all, lay in a manger wrapped in cloth. He grew up learning Joseph’s carpentry skills. He would eventually die a horrible, undeserved death on a cross like a criminal. None of those sound like the life of someone important. In human terms, Jesus came from very humble circumstances.
But Jesus was not just fully human. He was also fully divine. Still, Jesus “did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross” (Phil. 2:6-8).
The only perfect person to ever live came in humility to serve and obey the Father. Knowing this, why would we think we deserve more in this life? How can we live as though life is all about us and not our wonderful Savior through whom we have eternal life?
Christ’s humility is the perfect model for us in the home, the church, the workplace, and the community.
Next Step:
Reflect on when you had too few of life’s necessities compared to more than enough. Which time taught you more meaningful life lessons? During which periods were you more dependent on Christ?
Having much might sometimes be in the way of serking God but it is not a conclusive theory. Instead what matters is passing the test of humbleness when our emotions get the better of us during challenges. Christ lived controlling himself against His enemies when He could have just used His divine power to rebuke them big-time. But He chose to be humble for the greater good. So in my experience, it has not been possession that was being an obstacle but lack of true love, a sacrificial one that looks at the hope of Resurrection beyond what is currently seen. The power of Resurrection also works here on earth in lifting us up above our weaknesses. So persevere in being humble before all as Christ did.
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Great point! Thanks.
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