A Sunday Worship Reflection on the Humility of Jesus
“Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).
We are remembering today what happened to Jesus nearly 2000 years ago. When He went to the cross, He revealed to us the heart of God because He Himself was God in the flesh. Jesus could have come to the earth as a physical ruler. He could have come to the earth to take a place among the middle class. He chose to come to the earth into the care of a carpenter’s family, and he chose to live a life of poverty. He said, “”Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
Jesus gave His body and His blood so that we might have eternal life with God in heaven. He took our place suffering the punishment that we deserved so that we could be forgiven. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” It was His body that was made the perfect sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:10). It was His blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).
We turn now to these elements that represent His sacrifice, the bread, His body; the fruit of the vine, His blood. We remember the words of the apostle Paul as we partake of these elements: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we are all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
We give thanks today for this bread and this fruit of the vine, and the things that they represent because returning our love in the form of thanksgiving is the best and purest thing that we can do to acknowledge Christ’s work in our salvation. We also give thanks for His reconciling us to God and one another and for the unity that He brings to our lives.
Father, we thank thee for this bread, and we thank thee for the body of Jesus that was given as the perfect sacrifice on the cross. We know, Father, that you loved us enough to do this for us, and we praise you for your goodness. We’re thankful for the unity that you have brought to us, and help us to cherish it as we remember Jesus’ suffering. Help us to remember and to have the humility of Jesus within our lives that we may truly be called your children. We pray in Christ’s name, amen.
Father, we thank thee for this cup, and we thank thee for the blood that Jesus shed. We are grateful that by His stripes we are healed, and we praise thee for your great love for us. We are thankful for the forgiveness of sins that Jesus’ blood affords. Help us to cherish this great blessing as we turn to thee daily for forgiveness. Help us to remember Jesus’ humility as His blood flowed down the cross. Help us to be thankful that we all have access to the same blood for forgiveness. We pray in Christ’s name, amen.
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” God freely gave of Himself to us for our salvation. We have an opportunity to give to Him. As we look into our hearts, let us measure our love and thankfulness for Him, and let us give freely as we consider God’s great gift of love for us.
We thank thee Father for your love, and for all of the blessings you provide. We thank thee for our homes and jobs. We know you make the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. We also know that you have given us every spiritual blessing in Christ. We want to be like you, Father, so we ask that you help us to open our hearts and give with the same attitude that you have given to us. We pray in Christ’s name, amen.