Jesus is the model of a humble leader. At Christmastime, Christians all over the world celebrate the fact that he came to Earth as a child. God took on human form that we might know His love.
Philippians 2:6-7 says the following about Jesus:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
And not only did He come in human likeness as a man, but He was born as a baby. A newborn baby is completely dependent on his parents. He cannot do anything for himself and needs nurturing in order to survive. He adopted a state of humility, accepting help for everything.
He did not come in power, although He could have. People expected the Messiah to come like a warrior or king. They expected someone who would come to conquer and slay the enemy. Instead, He came like a child. He came helpless and needy, requiring care.
And, of course, that child grew into a man. But even as a man, Jesus continued to humble Himself. The Philippians passage continues:
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8).
The Messiah was expected to come and kill. Instead, He came and died. He took on a humiliating death, so that we may have life. Even as He grew, He continued to humble himself like a child.
What does this mean for us? How does it look to take on the posture of Jesus who came as a child? We should not seek to take advantage of our power and status and use it over people. Rather, we should humble ourselves as servants. Accept help and support. And remember that your ultimate reward is in heaven, not in what power you can gain here on Earth.
