Read Philippians 2:5-8 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
Yesterday we looked at Philippians 2:5-7, with the reminder to make Jesus our aim. Today we build on the passage with verse 8, looking at the depth of what Jesus’ humility meant for Him and us.
In the Roman world, death on a cross was the worst kind of death. It was incredibly painful and drawn out, and it was intended to be the ultimate humiliation for the worst of criminals. In the words of one Bible commentary, “No other form of death, no matter how prolonged or physically agonizing, could match crucifixion as an absolute destruction of the person.”
And yet, knowing all of that, Jesus humbled Himself in obedience, giving Himself up to this kind of death. Why? To take our place so we can be set free from the baggage weighing us down. Because of His obedience to the Father, we have hope beyond today. And the only appropriate response is patterned after His example – humility and obedience to the Father that overflow from hearts of gratitude.
• Make Jesus your aim through obedience. Take a few minutes to linger in the presence of Jesus, letting the magnitude of His sacrifice fully sink in. As you reflect, ask Him to reveal any baggage He’s asking you to let go of, and take a step to release it to Him today.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses to see Jesus’ agonizing prayer before His death. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• Matthew 26:36-46
*ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.