For he grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not…. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Isaiah 53:2-3, 7 (ESV)
In Isaiah 53, Jesus was described as the furthest thing people would think a king should be like. He had humble beginnings, worked an ordinary job, served people and even went as far as washing His disciples’ feet, something that only servants would do. He was even rejected by people, and humbled Himself on the cross. In contrast, earthly kings are synonymous to exclusivity and glamour. Jesus is counter-cultural, and we are extremely privileged to be in a Kingdom that is based on serving others and not self-cent red. Proverbs 16:1 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” May we all look to Jesus as the perfect example of a humble life that serves others.
Jesus, thank You for coming down to earth not to be served, but to humble Yourself to save us. Shape us every day to be more like You and to serve others instead of just thinking about ourselves. Amen.
