A Maundy Thursday Call to Humility
As we approach Easter Sunday we find ourselves very much approaching the valley of the shadow of death. One of the key passages for today, Maundy Thursday, comes to us from Philippians 2:5-8 as it reflects the humility Jesus demonstrates as he washed his disciples feet in the Upper Room.
In Philippians the Apostle Paul recites lyrics that were likely part of the early church hymnody:
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ 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 being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!
Jesus demonstrates his love for us in emptying himself. Much like he stooped to tend to the dirt encrusted toes of his disciples, Jesus pours himself out for you and for me, ultimately leading him to the cross itself. Beyond being a powerful example for each of us (**this is also the theme text for Synod 2023**), here we see Jesus live humbly for the sake of you and me - sinners that we are.
What kind of love drives one to this kind of pouring out of oneself? How might we model this for one another in the church, much less our neighbors who so need to experience the love of Jesus?
One of the realities that strikes home is the nature of Jesus’ humility. It was raw, and real, and relational. It wasn’t hidden behind politics, or policies, or even process. No, Jesus’ humility was motivated by his love for you and for me. Elsewhere in Philippians Paul talks about his own love for his readers as he loves for them with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1: 8) Paul makes clear that it is Jesus' love that provides us comfort. (Phil. 2:1) Paul even goes on to share that he has lost all things just for the opportunity to know this Jesus who so loves him. (Phil 3:8)
While these days leading up to Easter are often dark and marked by sorrow, we are each invited to remember that the journey to the cross was marked by humility and it was motivated by love. As we continue to encourage one another to be united in Christ for the sake of mission, may we enjoy and experience the love of Jesus and may we share that love that leads even to the darkness of death, even death on a cross.
So, in the next few days, while you may find yourself in the valley of the shadow, remember that Jesus joins you there and that his love will lead you through.
