Embracing Humility: The Heart of Christ's Birth
Summary
In this season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are reminded of the profound humility that marked His entrance into the world. Jesus, the Son of God, was born not in a palace but in a humble manger, a feeding trough for animals. This was not a mere accident of circumstance but a deliberate choice by God, who had thousands of years to plan the arrival of His Son. The manger, a symbol of humility and vulnerability, sets the stage for the life and ministry of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served.
The story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the place where unblemished lambs for temple sacrifices were raised, underscores His role as the Lamb of God, destined to take away the sins of the world. This connection between Jesus and the sacrificial lambs highlights the sacrificial nature of His mission and the depth of God's plan for our salvation. The shepherds, the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth, represent the lowly and marginalized, reminding us that God's kingdom values humility and a heart open to His presence.
Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry and the measure of our hearts. It is through humility that we make room for God in our lives, allowing Him to work through us. This posture of humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His grace. It is about being content with what we have, as Mary was, and being open to the unexpected ways God may work in our lives.
To cultivate humility, we must be willing to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and listen to others. We need friends who can lovingly point out our pride and help us grow in humility. Confession and soul-searching are vital practices that keep us grounded and open to God's transforming work. As we decrease, Christ increases in us, and we become more like Him, embodying His love and grace to the world.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the church season, let us embrace the humility of Christ and allow it to shape our lives and our communities. May we be guided by His example, serving others with love and compassion, and may we find peace and contentment in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Humble Birth of Jesus: Jesus' birth in a manger was a deliberate choice by God, symbolizing humility and vulnerability. This setting underscores the sacrificial nature of His mission as the Lamb of God, destined to take away the sins of the world. [47:10]
2. God's Kingdom Values: The shepherds, the first to hear of Jesus' birth, represent the lowly and marginalized, highlighting that God's kingdom values humility and a heart open to His presence. The path to greatness in God's kingdom is through humility. [50:58]
3. Humility as Currency: Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry and the measure of our hearts. It is through humility that we make room for God in our lives, allowing Him to work through us. This posture beckons Christ to us and is essential for spiritual growth. [51:56]
4. Cultivating Humility: To grow in humility, we must examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and listen to others. Having friends who can lovingly point out our pride and practicing confession are vital for spiritual growth and humility. [55:55]
5. Peace Through Humility: Humility brings peace and contentment, allowing us to let go of our agendas and fears. As we embrace humility, we become more like Christ, embodying His love and grace to the world. [01:01:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Humility
- [01:15] - A Friend's Call to Foster
- [03:00] - Baby Shopping Reflections
- [05:00] - Jesus' Humble Birth
- [08:00] - The Significance of the Manger
- [10:00] - Bethlehem and the Passover Lambs
- [12:00] - God's Perfect Plan
- [14:00] - The Role of the Shepherds
- [16:00] - Humility in God's Kingdom
- [18:00] - Cultivating Humility
- [20:00] - The Importance of Confession
- [22:00] - Listening and Humility
- [24:00] - Peace Through Humility
- [26:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-14
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus being born in a manger according to the sermon? [47:10]
2. How did the shepherds react to the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth, and what does this reveal about their status in society? [50:58]
3. What connection does the sermon make between Jesus and the unblemished lambs raised in Bethlehem? [49:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of humility in Jesus' life and ministry? [51:56]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might God have chosen a manger as the birthplace for Jesus, and what does this choice communicate about God's values? [47:10]
2. How does the sermon suggest that humility is a "currency" in God's kingdom, and what implications does this have for believers today? [51:56]
3. In what ways does the sermon connect the shepherds' visit to the broader theme of humility and God's kingdom values? [50:58]
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, the place where sacrificial lambs were raised? [49:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to embrace humility. How did it change your perspective or actions? [51:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having friends who can point out our pride. Do you have someone in your life who fulfills this role? How can you cultivate such relationships? [55:55]
3. How can you practice humility in your daily life, especially in situations where you might be tempted to assert your own importance or agenda? [58:54]
4. The sermon mentions the peace that comes with humility. How can you seek this peace in your current circumstances? [01:01:29]
5. Consider the role of confession in cultivating humility. How can you incorporate regular confession and soul-searching into your spiritual practices? [57:07]
6. How can you be more attentive and listen actively to others, as a way to practice humility in your relationships? [58:54]
7. Reflect on the idea that humility allows room for God in our lives. What specific steps can you take to make more room for God this week? [51:56]
Devotional
Day 1: The Humble Entrance of the Savior
The birth of Jesus in a manger was a profound act of humility, chosen by God to symbolize vulnerability and the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission. This setting was not a mere accident but a deliberate choice that reflects the essence of Jesus' life and ministry. Born in Bethlehem, where sacrificial lambs were raised, Jesus' birth foreshadowed His role as the Lamb of God, destined to take away the sins of the world. The manger, a simple feeding trough, became a powerful symbol of God's plan for salvation, emphasizing that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service. [47:10]
Luke 2:6-7 (ESV): "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you can embrace humility. How can you serve others in a way that reflects the humility of Christ today?
Day 2: Embracing the Values of God's Kingdom
The shepherds, the first to hear of Jesus' birth, symbolize the lowly and marginalized, highlighting that God's kingdom values humility and a heart open to His presence. In a world that often values power and status, the story of the shepherds reminds us that God sees and values those who are often overlooked. The path to greatness in God's kingdom is through humility, and it is through a humble heart that we can truly experience God's presence and work in our lives. This narrative challenges us to reevaluate our own values and align them with the values of God's kingdom. [50:58]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling overlooked or marginalized? How can you reach out to them and show them the love and value that God sees in them?
Day 3: Humility as the Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry and the measure of our hearts. It is through humility that we make room for God in our lives, allowing Him to work through us. This posture of humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His grace. By embracing humility, we invite Christ to increase in us, transforming us to be more like Him. This transformation is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows us to embody Christ's love and grace to the world. [51:56]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions? How can you make more room for God to work in your life today?
Day 4: The Journey of Cultivating Humility
To grow in humility, we must be willing to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and listen to others. This journey requires us to be open to feedback and correction, allowing trusted friends to lovingly point out our pride. Confession and soul-searching are vital practices that keep us grounded and open to God's transforming work. As we decrease, Christ increases in us, and we become more like Him. This process of cultivating humility is ongoing and requires intentionality and commitment. [55:55]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who in your life can you trust to help you grow in humility? How can you invite them to speak into your life and hold you accountable?
Day 5: Finding Peace Through Humility
Humility brings peace and contentment, allowing us to let go of our agendas and fears. As we embrace humility, we become more like Christ, embodying His love and grace to the world. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. By letting go of our need for control and trusting in God's plan, we find true contentment and joy. This peace transforms our lives and enables us to serve others with love and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ. [01:01:29]
Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
Reflection: What fears or agendas do you need to let go of to find peace in Christ? How can you trust God more fully with these areas of your life today?
Quotes
Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry. It's interesting, we don't hear anything about Mary being upset that this is all there is. That I'm going to give birth in a barn and going to put my baby in a food trough. I've just walked 90 miles and now I'm getting company you know from people who smell like sheep that I don't know. She is content. She is content. Humility brings contentment. Humility is the currency of Christ's ministry. Therefore, it is the currency of Christ's church. Therefore, humility is the currency of John Wesley Methodist. [00:52:54] (53 seconds)
The kingdom of God is coming to earth. And God is defining what the visible standards are for the kingdom of God. So lowly are highlighted and raised up. Bottom-level laborers, like shepherds, are given privileges of royalty at times. It's not about one's status in the world. Rather, God looks at and Jesus looks at people's hearts. The path, the new path up is really down. It is a path of humility. It is a path of being okay with a manger that is a food trough. [00:51:17] (48 seconds)
Jesus, the lamb of God who is destined to be the sacrifice for our salvation, for our freedom from bondage, is born in the very place where all the Passover lambs are born and raised. Jesus, the sinless man, full man, full God, sinless, is born. Yes, God delivers his perfect plan. And unwed, soon-to-be mother and father who are living in poverty. So they walk 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be refugees and to live as refugees for the time being. [00:49:36] (46 seconds)
We have to realize that the lack of humility, we pay a big price for the lack of humility. It can actually sabotage. Our efforts to grow the kingdom of God. Richard Rohr, one of my favorite, he's a Catholic monk, friar. He says that the lack of humility has probably done more to undo the Christian faith than anything else. The lack of humility. That's a lot at stake. Humility is the currency. It is the measure of the heart of a church. [00:54:25] (36 seconds)
Let us have real humility because Jesus came to save each one of us from our mess, from our broken human condition, to redeem us, to lead us, and to send us out, to share his hope as healing with others. We say, what, so what does humility have to do with us? With fear not? Well, when we have humility, just like we think, we can talk about, Mary did, there's a peace about you because you have tried to empty yourself of your agenda and you have a contentment and a peace about you, which kindles the fear, which, which subdues the fear. [01:01:40] (46 seconds)
Mother Teresa, one of my favorite Mother Teresa's quote is she said, if you have humility, you will not, you'll be the same person if somebody criticizes you and, and backstabs you, or if they compliment you. Because you know who you are. You will be standing tall. Jesus was not haphazardly placed in an animal's feeding trough because it was handy. He was laid. He was laid in that messy saliva ridden manger to offer himself as the lamb of God, who is our sustenance, who gave his life so that we could have the abundant life. [01:02:32] (46 seconds)
May we all humble ourselves so that we can take him up on that offer. Dear Lord, thank you so much for this picture, for this description. Thank you. And I'm thinking of our Savior being in a manger. When it's so different from our, our germaphobe culture of especially with our babies and Lord, just that, that we may have a picture that our Savior was born in a place that we need to realize his humility, his sacrifice for coming. Lord, thank you. Thank you for the gift. of Jesus. Thank you for the gift of your plan, even though we are still unraveling it and peeling layers back. [01:03:18] (55 seconds)
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