Encouragement in Christ

March 4
Philippians 2:1-11

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Illustration by Gustave Doré

Today is Saturday. Tomorrow is Sunday. Sunday is an important day. It’s the Lord’s Day, the day each week the church has gathered to worship Jesus for almost 2,000 years. Two things are very important. First, during this season of Lent we cannot take our eyes off of Jesus. Scriptures like Philippians 2:1–11 are such great reminders of the person and work of Jesus. Paul tells us so much about Jesus. He tells us of Jesus’s divinity (“he was in the form of God”). He shares that, despite his divinity, Jesus chose to humble himself, become human, and come to earth. Jesus humbled himself in the most profound way—execution by means of crucifixion, a death penalty reserved for the worst of criminals. Remember, Jesus was innocent; yet he chose to humbly die for you and I. During this season, let us not forget the sacrifice of Christ, and its glorious result of freeing us from sin.

For Paul, Jesus also serves as an example. In the beginning of Philippians 2, Paul encourages them to have love, affection, and sympathy for one another. Why? Because Jesus himself exhibited this kind of behavior for others. Tomorrow is Sunday, the Lord’s Day. Don’t neglect meeting with the brothers and sisters of Christ. As you meet with other believers, strive to be like Jesus: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). This Lent season, may the world look to us, the church, and only see Jesus and his love for the world.

Reflection

1. Why did Jesus humble himself and come to earth?

2. How did Jesus live a humble life?

3. As you think about Jesus’s life, how can you become more humble and loving of others?

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