The humble King

When you think about a king, what sort of character traits come to mind? Chances are that humility isn’t at the top of your list. One reason is because we so often don’t see an abundance of humility in earthly rulers. Another reason is because, deep down, we might even think that we don’t want leaders who are too humble. Too much humility might mean that he lacks conviction, or resilience, or a fighting spirit. If he is too humble, he might also be weak.

In Philippians 2:3–4, Paul reminds us about the importance of humility. He writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The message is clear enough. Don’t be too full of yourself. Honor those around you. Serve their needs. But it’s what Paul writes next that ought to really make us stop and think. Because instead of giving us an example of a humble servant, he points to the example of the King of Kings—who was also a humble servant!

Philippians 2:5–11 is often referred to as one of the four great Christological texts in the New Testament, along with John 1:1–18, Colossians 1:15–20, and Hebrews 1:1–4. Many scholars suggest it was originally a hymn—perhaps even written by Paul himself—that was incorporated into his letter to the Philippian church. If that is correct, we might consider it one of the earliest hymns about the incarnation, making it especially suitable for us to reflect on as we celebrate Christmas.

Paul argues that Jesus is the example whom we should follow as we cultivate humility. In his incarnation, the eternal Son of God became a man. In doing so, he voluntarily set aside all the glory that was due to him as Creator and took upon himself instead the lowly state of a creature. The One who is worthy to be served by all instead humbly became a servant to others. His humble service was evidenced in his obedience to his eternal Father and in his sacrifice on behalf of his fellow men.

But that is not the end of the story. The one who humbled himself has now been exalted. God raised Jesus from the dead, and now the Son is seated at the Father’s right hand. God has bestowed upon Jesus the name that is above all names—the title of Lord. And one day, everyone will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Some will acknowledge him with faithful gratitude because he is their Lord. Others will acknowledge him as the Lord, because by then there will be no doubt, but it will be too late to bow the knee to Jesus in faith. In every case, God will be glorified because all people, everywhere, will proclaim Jesus to be Lord, the humble King and the Savior of the world.

During this Christmas season, we should remember the humility of King Jesus. God became man. The Lord of all creation was born in one of the lowliest corners of that creation. The God who knit Mary together in her mother’s womb was later conceived miraculously in Mary’s virgin womb. The Great Craftsman who made all things by the power of his words was born to a simple craftsman who made things with the labor of his hands. The One for whom the Temple was built was born in a stable built for animals.

And why did Jesus humble himself in all these ways—and so many more? To serve us through His perfectly obedient life, sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, triumphant ascension, ongoing intercession, and imminent return. As we celebrate the birth of the King Jesus, may we also long for the day when he returns, in triumph, to complete his work of salvation. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. All praise to the Humble and now exalted King.