Preparing for the Messiah - Day 39
The Humility of Christ
Philippians 2:5–8 (KJV)
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.”
Introduction
As we draw near the end of our 40-day journey,
Paul invites us to pause and look deeply
at the heart of Jesus —
a heart defined by humility.
These verses peel back the layers of the Christmas story,
revealing the breathtaking humility
behind the miracle of the incarnation.
The manger was only the beginning.
Jesus chose humility not once,
but again and again —
in His birth, His life, His obedience,
and ultimately, in His death.
Reflection
“Let this mind be in you…”
We are invited to think like Jesus,
to live with the mindset that shaped His every step.
And what mindset is that?
A mindset of humility.
“Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God…”
Jesus is fully God —
equal with the Father,
eternal,
exalted,
glorious.
He had every right to remain in heaven,
wrapped in glory,
worshiped by angels.
“But made Himself of no reputation…”
He willingly laid aside
His divine privilege
and stepped into vulnerability.
Jesus didn’t cling to His status.
He chose obscurity.
He chose lowliness.
He chose a manger
over majesty.
“And took upon Him the form of a servant…”
Not a ruler.
Not a king.
Not a warrior.
A servant.
Jesus came not to be served,
but to serve —
to wash feet,
to touch the unclean,
to welcome the broken,
to carry our burdens.
“And was made in the likeness of men…”
God became truly human.
He entered our world with all its limits,
struggles,
and sorrows.
He walked dusty roads.
He grew tired.
He felt hunger.
He experienced grief.
He embraced weakness
so we could know His strength.
“And being found in fashion as a man,
He humbled Himself…”
Humility was not something done to Jesus —
it was something He chose.
“...and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.”
At the heart of Christ’s humility
is obedience.
Obedience to the Father.
Obedience that cost Him everything.
Obedience that brought us life.
From Bethlehem’s cradle
to Calvary’s cross,
Jesus’ path was marked by humility.
Today, reflect on this:
Where is God inviting me to walk in humility?
Where do I cling to status, comfort, or control?
How can I follow Jesus’ example
by choosing obedience —
even when it costs something?
Humility is not weakness.
It is Christlikeness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the depth of Your humility —
for coming down,
serving willingly,
and obeying fully.
Shape my heart to be like Yours.
Teach me to choose humility over pride,
service over self,
obedience over comfort.
Let Your mindset become mine
as I walk with You today.
Amen.
Journal Prompt
What part of Jesus’ humility impacts you most deeply?
Where might God be calling you to choose humility or obedience?
How can you reflect the servant-hearted mindset of Christ in your relationships this week?