Jesus Came Humble and Lowly
Month 5: Jesus — God With Us · Heart Matters
Today's Scripture
Read together: Philippians 2:5–8
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.
Memory Verse
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Psalm 20; Psalm 21; Psalm 60; Psalm 68; Psalm 110
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 124 of 365 — Psalm 110 points ahead to the reigning King-Priest.)The Heart of It
Paul shows us the heart of Jesus in one breathtaking sweep. Though He existed "in the form of God," He "emptied Himself," took "the form of a servant," and "humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross" (). Picture the direction of it. It goes down, down, down. From the throne of heaven, to a manger, to a carpenter's bench, to dusty feet, all the way down to a cross. Jesus is the King of the universe, and He chose the lowest place. That's not how the world measures greatness. The world climbs up. Jesus came down.
And notice why Paul tells us this. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (). Jesus' humility isn't just something we admire from a distance. It's the very shape He wants to grow in our hearts. In a home, that looks like a big kid serving a little one without being asked. It looks like a child saying "you go first." It looks like a parent kneeling to apologize. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's being so secure in the Father's love that you're free to put others first. That heart can't be forced. But the Holy Spirit grows it in us, the same way He filled and shaped Jesus.
Around the Table
Jesus is the King of everything. But He chose to be little and to help people. We can help people too!
Let's do it: Find one way to "go low" right now. Pick up a sibling's toy or hold a door for someone.
Jesus went "down, down, down." He came from heaven all the way to the cross, because He loves us. Humble means putting others first.
Let's talk: What's one thing you could do this week that nobody would notice, just to serve someone?
shows Jesus choosing the lowest place though He deserved the highest. Humility flows from being secure in the Father's love, not from feeling small.
Let's go deeper: Where does pride sneak into your life? And what would the "mind of Christ" do instead?
💬 Conversation Starter
Who's the most important person you can think of? Now imagine them washing dishes or sweeping floors all day.— Jesus is the most important Person ever, and He served like that.
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Some say all religions are basically the same. But no other faith claims its God lowered Himself to die for His enemies. Jesus walked a downward path. God became a servant, all the way to death (). That is unique in all the world, and it tells us exactly what God's heart is like.
For Dad · Go Deeper
is the gold standard for Christlike leadership, and it cuts straight at how we father. The temptation is to lead by position. We say "because I said so" and use authority like a club. But Jesus, who held all authority, led by descending. He served first and commanded second. As Paul Tripp puts it, our children don't primarily need a manager. They need a father who is being changed by the same grace he's calling them to. The most powerful sermon your kids will hear this week is watching you apologize, serve quietly, or give up your comfort for theirs. Lead them down to the cross by walking that road yourself.
Draws on: Paul David Tripp, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus came humble and lowly, all the way to the cross, for us. Give our family the mind of Christ. Help us put others first and serve with joy. In Jesus' name, amen."
Real greatness goes low. Jesus did, and His Spirit can grow that same heart in me.