This week we focused a great deal on Jesus' HUMILITY...how He lived and died with humility instead of the glory He deserved.
What is your response to Christ's humble attitude? How has it affected your own attitude as you think about your role at Encounter? in life?
Please note, we are having difficulty getting comments made from a mobile device to post. I apologize for the inconvenience, but you'll need to post your comments from a PC or a laptop.
The most humbling thing Jesus did was die for our sins.I take this very personally. It it is the most innocent display of humility and Love.I want a quite humble spirit. I know only then that I am hearing from the Lord.Christ made himself nothing, he humbled himself became obedient to death
ReplyDeleteJesus' humility is somethng we should refelct on everyday. To "turn the other cheek" is so incredibly hard when someone has hurt us or hurt someone we love but he has done it over and over again. If we are truly striving to be like Jesus we must as well.
ReplyDeleteJesus even humbled himself to serve Judas, who he knew would sell him to the government, which would led to the crucifixion. He knew it had to be fulfilled. Jesus serves Judas anyway. In life, there will be moments when what we see us someone's ill intentions against us and we still are called humble ourselves and serve (which could be serving the person by ending the active relationship, but continuing to pray on that person's behalf for their healing).
ReplyDeletePsalm25:9 says that "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." He is able to teach us because we are humble enough to admit that we don't know and we can't so anything without Him. When we humble ourselves, we will be guides to what is right and we will be taught what Christ would so and how He would do it. That is an encouraging promise to those who choose to humble themselves. I want Him to guide me and I want Him to teach me. Now, it's my choice to be humble.
Christ's sufferings on the cross are always a reminder to me when I dont want to forgive someone or serve someone! How can I not serve others who hurt me or choose not to forgive others when they harm me when Jesus does this everyday for me!! How humbling!!
ReplyDeleteI try to remind myself constantly that Jesus' love for us is so great that He died on the cross for us. I always expected so much from people before I would forgive them, and now that I really understand all that was done for me on that cross, I don't even hesitate to humble myself. My other struggle was to learn to do things without grumbling, the more I read God's word, the easier this got. I couldn't remember any passages that said anything about Jesus whining about anything He had to do for me. I try everyday to open my eyes to God, and what He wants from me.
ReplyDeleteThinking about Christ's humble attitude is a reminder to me to stay away from the "entitlement" attitude I am prone to. I feel I might deserve to feel something or justify actions that are ungodly. Jesus was the 1 person in this world 'entitled' to everything, yet he gave it all up because he loved us so much!
ReplyDeleteI admit, humility is difficult for me. I use the excuse of being a musician and all the confidence it takes to get up in front of people...you do develop a sense of pride and "look at me" attitude when you spend your life on a stage.
ReplyDeleteBut that's a very poor excuse. John chapter 18 says that when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He knew that His Father had given Him authority over everyone and everything. And still He chose to act as a servant to them. And in chapter 19, when Pilate is questioning Him, asking Him if it was true that He was the King of the Jews, Jesus could very easily have promoted Himself, proclaimed His true Lordship. But He didn't. Instead He submitted Himself to the deplorable, corrupt authorities of not only the Roman government, but the Jewish religion.
If anyone had a true reason to abandon humility, it was Jesus. But He didn't.
And so I find myself praying often for God to scrub out the pride that clings to my heart and replace it with humility. It's like pride is a nasty weed that just won't be killed! I pull it out, but the next day it has completely regrown!
I pray that God will help me see myself in the LIGHT of His Son, and His people through the EYES of His Son. I try to take on Jesus' attitude of humble servanthood with my kids and my husband...sometimes that is my most difficult challenge! Since Jesus literally died for me in my complete imperfection, can I not die to myself -- surrender some of my own wants and conveniences -- for the sake of my family, and for the women I am ministering to?
One last thought...as I was reading John 17, verse 20 really struck a chord in my heart. Jesus is praying, and He says this: "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message..." Jesus prayed for me! Long before the world would ever hear my name, Jesus was praying for me. How awesome is THAT? :)
Christ's willingness to die on the cross for me is always a reminder of His love and humility that I am to emulate. It is also important for to me to be reminded that He too was tempted but unlike us He did not give into that temptation. It is easy to think that He was above temptation and "fleshy" feelings and urges because he was God in human form but it is simply not true. He allowed himself to be fully human and knows what it is like to walk this earth as we do. To reflect on his attitude and character throughout his life and crucifixion is an inspiring reminder of what we are fully capable of doing because He is in us. Because He lives in us we are able to humbly serve with a an attitude of love, compassion, and self-lessness. That is just awesome!
ReplyDelete“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
ReplyDeleteSaint Augustine
When I think of Christ's death on the cross, I wish He could've stuck it to them like, "Oh yeah?! You want to see what my DADDY can do!?" But He didn't, He spent His last moments in utter misery, so that we might have life abundant, beautiful freedom and grace. WOW. May I never stop being in awe of the humility of the cross and may I live my life in the same manner....in quiet humility, even in the face of adversity and mockery of a faith not everyone understands.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but more of others. As we see the sacrifice that Jesus gave for us how can we not give back to others. Romans 12:2 says Do not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Jesus through the Spirit can do this for us as we give ourselves to Him.
ReplyDeleteIf the King of Kings can humble Himself to come to this evil world and experience "human-ness", how much more should I be able to adopt a humble attitude and just love others! I as a messenger am not better than the message!
ReplyDeleteTo me. I could not imagine going through what he went through and show such humility. It makes me strive to deserve such an example.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't this world be a better place if everyone humbled themselves as Jesus did for all if us? Humility is definitely something I struggle with especially when someone has hurt me or the people I love. Remembering Christ's humility helps me surrender my selfishness & allows me to forgive others!
ReplyDeleteHumility is what makes encounter so successful. When attendees see servers acting in humility, they see Jesus. The success of encounter depends on an attendee's ability to meet Jesus face to face. How cool that our humility can be used in such an incredible way!
ReplyDeleteThis week is so full of HUGE words!! Empathy, obedient, humble, attitude. For those of us still living in our earthly world, achieving even 1 of those words 1/2 way is inconceivable, but our Lord Jesus mastered all of them and many, many more. The idea of a man being so obedient to his Father's plan that he takes being beaten and paying the ultimate price by being crucified without even a single word against any of the "leaders" that were passing judgement against him AND without crying out to his Father to spare his suffering is soul-renching! In this fallen world we live in it has - unfortunately - become the norm for a son to hardly even listen to the smallest of instruction from the father.
ReplyDeleteI pray that we are all able to focus on obedience to our Lord Jesus as we enter into another Encounter. We must focus on the attendees and their needs, not what we perceive as their needs nor what we believe is best for them.....only one knows what is best and we will all be there to encounter Him.
This week, Day 1 regarding the film the Passion of Christ; I was not able to get a copy of the movie, but have seen it. I think that each time I watch it, something different tears at me. It really depends where I am in my life and my walk with Christ at that moment. As a mother, however, to watch Mary weep and Jesus relationship and concern for his mother tore at me. How real his earthly relationships and feelings were proves his identity with us. Also, in relationship to Day 4 in Our call to Christ likeness and to imitate his attitude. I know that in my time of weakness and self misery, I usually find it is because I have put m concentration on my own frustrations and dissapointments. I know that it is necessary for me to put my focus back where it belongs,....on God, and to concentrate on my husband, children, family and others needs first to make myself feel complete again.
ReplyDeleteLess of ME more of HIM!!! That is humble. He endured so much for all of us. Thank you Lord!!!
ReplyDeleteThis week I was reminded of how much Jesus went through for me. First,giving up his home in heaven to become completely human. Humbling himself, being born in a stable. He was ridiculed, rejected, spat upon and beaten for me. As I watched the video, hearing the cross drop into the ground,tore into me and gave me a real jolt. Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who put him there. Truly being a servant is putting others before yourself in every way. Thank you, Jesus, for showing us the way.
ReplyDeleteThe most humble thing Jesus did for me is die on the cross! He has forgiven be over and over and before I have even committed the sin. We are commanded to forgive others no matter how big the sin or how much it hurts. If Jesus can forgive me for the things I have done, I can surely forgive others. No sin is too big to be forgiven.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord has many ways to remind us to be humble. And I think I have learned that through the years. When I start thinking I am doing this all by myself God usually gives me a gentle reminder that I need to humble myself and realize it is He who provided for me and my family. When I think about the cruxificion I am deeply saddened because he suffered so much for all of us. I don't know that I could do that. Suffer at that cost. So many times people, myself included, believe that because of their job position, financial position or any other number of things, that they are "above" others. But when I have worked the soup kitchen or volunteered or had to work two jobs myself, I have realized I am no better than anyone else. I thank God for his gentle reminders.
ReplyDeleteIf I am not willing to humble myself and serve everyone God leads me to, then I am in judgement of those people. (They were not worth my time, I don't feel comfortable talking to them, what if they try to steal from me...) If Christ himself was not sent to earth to judge then who am I to judge anyone. My desire is to not judge and humble myself to serve in whatever capacity I can. I fall short everyday but also erveryday I get better at humbling myself and serving God's creation.
ReplyDeleteWe are constantly searching for role models for ourselves and our children. Jesus is the ultimate role model in part due to his humility. The way Jesus taught us to serve others and to respect everyone is amazing. Jesus showed us, in human form, exactly how to live a life of humility. As I look to Him, I see the way that I need to live and treat others. I see the way I should love and serve. I am grateful to have this amazing role model to show me the way!
ReplyDeleteI have never felt so humbled as serving at the June encounter. It truly hit home exactly what that meant for me as well as understanding exactly what Jesus did for me by dying on the cross to save me of my sins. I want to feel that way at all times to know that I am truly serving and being all God expects me to be. In doing so, I hope that others will come to know him and want to feel the same way by serving others as well.
ReplyDeletePondering the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus overwhelms me brings me a new eternal perspective. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means denial of my wants, my securities, my choices, my time, my rights. It means following Him all the way to the place of death of myself so that He can live in me and work through me. Applying this to my role at Encounter means I have surrendered my involvement in future encounters to His plan. I am confident He will make His plan very clear at just the right moment.
ReplyDeleteWe are called to humble ourselves, follow Jesus' example of humbleness and following God's plan for us ... Be still and listen for that still small voice. I see God's hand in my life over and over. God's plan and timing is perfect for each of us ... We just have to humble ourselves and follow as we serve others.
ReplyDeleteHumility, what an awesome thing to learn about how Jesus walked among the people. My prayer for encounter is that Christ is who in control, not me.
ReplyDeleteJesus never faltered from caring for others. He put us first in everything he did. Knowing our faults and weaknesses as only he could, he still loved us and wished to give us the gift of eternal life. His humbleness was not an act but how he truly loved. My wish is that I can give of myself and help others to find Jesus' love.
ReplyDeleteJesus' incredible humility he demonstrated before the crucifixion was unbelievable. In the garden when he puts Gods will ahead of his own knowing the unimaginable pain he would endure at the crucifixion but also I can't imagine being wrongfully accused esp after doing nothing but good for all and then being forsaken by those same people. Not only accused of wrong but crucified! This world can be so incredibly unjust and unfair. I need to remember in those moments what Christ suffered and yet he remained perfectly humble.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing lesson this week. As I was reminded of the ALL the pain & suffering Jesus went through on the Cross for us is beyond anything I could ever imagine. When I think I have it rough or goin through a storm,I think of the suffering HE went through for us. I pray that I will be humbled in everything as a Server at Encounter & be able to help everyone that God puts in my path!
ReplyDeleteJesus' humility I amazing. I think that serving is such an amazing experience, not just for what we do, but because all of the other women see us doing it with humility...thinking of them, not ourselves. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be humble and let others see your "weaknesses." I have a hard time letting anyone see me be weak. Which in turn is not being humble. I remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and the death that he had to endure was horrific! If Jesus could humbly accept the fact that he was going to die and do so with humility makes me want to be more humble. I am a work in progress.
ReplyDelete