Devotionals
Jesus’s Infinite Descent
Jan
August 23. 2023
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
In our world, even the humblest individual must often retain a baseline level of pride—not necessarily sinful arrogance, but a sense of personal worth and dignity. This pride, however small, acts as a buffer against exploitation and enables survival in a world where humility is sometimes mistaken for weakness. Yet, this notion appears to stand in direct contradiction to the example set by Christ.
The Infinite Descent
Jesus Christ stepped down from the highest position imaginable—God Himself—into the limitations of human existence. Not only did He take on flesh, but He was born into a lowly and precarious situation: to a poor family, as a refugee on the run. His earthly life was one of service and sacrifice, culminating in an unfathomable act of humility—His death on a Roman cross, a method of execution reserved for the lowest of criminals.
This wasn’t merely a step down; it was a plunge from infinity to zero. And when we consider the spiritual cost of His sacrifice—bearing the wrath of God for the sins of humanity—He went from zero to infinity below zero. In doing so, Jesus demonstrated a level of humility that defies human understanding.
Consider:
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Isaiah 53:3 “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
The Contrast with Human Pride
Even the most selfless among us will instinctively protect our dignity at some level. This is not inherently wrong; God created us with the ability to value ourselves as His image-bearers. Yet, Jesus, who had every reason to cling to His divine rights, relinquished them all. He didn’t grasp at equality with God but “emptied Himself.” This wasn’t a loss of His divinity but a voluntary setting aside of His privileges to serve and save humanity.
In doing so, Jesus held on to not even the smallest measure of pride. His actions challenge us to redefine humility—not as weakness or self-deprecation but as strength under submission to God’s will.
Consider:
Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Practical Applications of Christlike Humility
Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:5-7 invites us to adopt this same mindset: to forsake personal pride for the sake of serving others. While this may feel counterintuitive, it is deeply transformative. How can we strive for Christlike humility in a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion?
Recognize God as the Source of Your Worth
True humility begins with understanding that our value doesn’t come from our accomplishments, possessions, or social status. It comes from being created and loved by God. This perspective frees us from the need to constantly assert our worth to others.
Serve Others Intentionally
Humility is expressed through action. Look for opportunities to serve those around you, whether it’s through small acts of kindness, offering a listening ear, or sacrificing your time and resources to meet someone else’s needs.
Prioritize Unity over Self-Interest
In relationships, humility means putting others’ needs ahead of your own and seeking peace over being right. This aligns with Paul’s call to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Embrace Correction and Feedback
Humility allows us to accept constructive criticism without defensiveness, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth. Jesus modeled this in His willingness to endure false accusations without retaliating.
Reflect Daily on Christ’s Example
Spend time in prayer and meditation, reflecting on the humility of Jesus. Let His example guide your interactions and decisions. When pride creeps in, remind yourself of the infinite descent He undertook for your sake.
Consider:
Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
The Eternal Perspective
Christ’s humility wasn’t a resignation to powerlessness; it was an active, deliberate choice rooted in love and obedience. As believers, we are called to reflect this same humility, laying down our pride for the sake of serving God and others. The more we let go of our pride, the more we make room for Christ to shine through us.
This doesn’t mean living as doormats or suppressing all sense of self-worth. Instead, it means anchoring our identity in God and using our lives to glorify Him. Just as Jesus was exalted after His humiliation, we are promised that God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Consider:
1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus’ humility redefined greatness. By emptying Himself of divine privilege and embracing the role of a servant, He demonstrated that true significance is found in sacrificial love and obedience. As we seek to follow His example, may we grow in humility and learn to serve others with the same selflessness and grace that He has shown us.
Reflection:
In what specific areas of your life is God calling you to sacrifice pride in favor of humility so that other may not see you but Jesus in you?
