Day 31: Christ’s Humility in Obedience to Death

📅 Date: April 1, 2025 (Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent)

📖 Scripture Reading:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

📖 Reflection on Philippians 2:5-8:

In this powerful passage from Philippians, the Apostle Paul highlights the ultimate example of humility and obedience in the person of Jesus Christ. Though He was fully divine, Jesus chose not to cling to His equality with God for His own benefit. Instead, He humbled Himself to the lowest point of human existence—death on a cross. This act of humility was not just a momentary decision but a lifetime of obedient submission to the Father’s will, even to the point of death.

Paul calls us to adopt the same attitude of humility that Jesus demonstrated. It’s a radical call that turns worldly values upside down. In a culture that often emphasizes self-promotion, status, and power, Christ's example reminds us that true greatness is found in serving others and submitting to God's will. Jesus did not pursue His own comfort or glory; instead, He emptied Himself, showing us the depth of God’s love and the self-sacrificial nature of the Christian life.

As we reflect on Christ's humility, let us consider how we can embody this attitude in our own lives. Are we willing to lay aside our rights and privileges for the sake of others? Are we ready to be obedient to God's will, even when it calls us to difficult places?

💭 Reflect:

• How does Christ’s humility challenge your understanding of greatness and success?
• In what areas of your life do you struggle with surrendering your own desires for God’s will?
• What are some practical ways you can adopt the attitude of humility that Christ displayed?

💡 The Heart of Humility:

• Emptying Ourselves: True humility requires us to set aside our own desires, rights, and ambitions for the sake of others and God's will.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Humility is not just an attitude but an action—obediently following God’s call, even when it is difficult.
• Serving Others: Jesus demonstrated that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about being served but about serving others.

Application:

1️⃣ Follow Christ’s Example: Consider a situation where you can humble yourself today—whether it’s serving someone in need, forgiving someone, or putting others' needs before your own.

2️⃣ Embrace Obedience: Ask God to help you surrender your will to His, trusting that His plan is better than any self-directed ambition.

3️⃣ Embrace Sacrifice: Consider an area where God is calling you to make a sacrifice, big or small, for the sake of others. This might be a grand gesture or a quiet act of surrendering personal comfort or preferences.

4️⃣ Reflect on Self-Sacrifice: Look for opportunities where you can lay down your own preferences for the good of others or for the glory of God.

🔍 Heart Check:

• Are there areas of your life where pride or self-interest hinder your ability to obey God’s will?
• How can you practice humble obedience, even in small things, and reflect Christ’s love to those around you?

📖 Scripture Meditation:

Read Matthew 20:26-28 – "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Meditate on Jesus’ words about serving others and how they align with His humility and obedience to death.

💡 Action Steps:

• Serve Quietly: Find a way to serve someone today without seeking recognition or reward.
• Lay Down Your Rights: Consider an area where you can surrender your personal rights or privileges for the benefit of someone else or to follow God’s will.
• Pray for Humility: Ask God to give you the heart of humility that Jesus had and help you to obey Him fully.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate act of humility and obedience to the Father. Help me to follow Your example by humbling myself and submitting to Your will. Teach me to serve others selflessly and to put aside my own desires for the sake of Your kingdom. May my life reflect Your love and sacrifice. In Your name, Amen.

🌟 Call to Action:

During this Lenten season, as we journey towards remembering Christ's ultimate act of sacrificial obedience, let us reflect on our own willingness to follow His example. Today, intentionally seek out a way to serve someone in humility, just as Christ served us. Reflect on His obedience, and ask God to help you walk in that same humble spirit.