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how does jesus's life, as described elsewhere, exemplify or complicate this instruction about humility?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Philippians 2:5-8

Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.

This passage is from a letter written by Paul, likely from prison, to the believers in Philippi, a city in ancient Greece. He is encouraging them to live in unity and humility, using Jesus's own actions as the ultimate example for their community.

What does genuine humility, as described and exemplified here, require of us in our relationships with others?

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Read alongside it

  • Matthew 20:25-28

    Jesus teaches his disciples that true greatness comes from serving others, not from ruling over them.

  • Luke 14:7-11

    Jesus tells a parable about choosing the lowest place at a banquet, promising that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

  • Isaiah 53:2-7

    This Old Testament passage describes a 'suffering servant' who humbles himself and bears the burdens of others.

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