Humble Glory of Jesus : Philippians 2:1-11, Luke 2:14

The Humble Glory of Our Savior

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being jof the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God rathing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11)

Philippians 2:1–11 presents one of the most profound portraits of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture. It reveals not a Savior clothed in earthly power or dominance, but one who willingly chose humility, obedience, and sacrifice. This passage invites us to behold the heart of Christ, a heart that emptied itself for the sake of others.

Though Jesus was in very nature God, He did not cling to His divine privileges. Instead, He took the form of a servant and was born in human likeness. His entrance into the world was not marked by royal splendor, but by a manger, a quiet night, and the cries of a newborn child.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

Luke 2:14 captures heaven’s response to this humble arrival: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” From the beginning, Christ’s mission was clear. God would be glorified not through force, but through grace, and peace would come not through conquest, but through surrender.

Jesus’ life continued along this path of humility. He walked among the poor, touched the unclean, served the forgotten, and loved without condition. Ultimately, He humbled Himself even further by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. To the world, the cross appeared to be a sign of weakness and failure. A crucified Messiah did not resemble a mighty Savior. Yet in God’s perfect wisdom, this very act became the greatest display of divine power and love.

Through the shedding of His blood, sin was defeated, reconciliation was made possible, and God was glorified in the fullest sense. The cross revealed the depth of God’s holiness and the immeasurable extent of His mercy. Because of Jesus’ obedience, God exalted Him to the highest place and bestowed on Him the name above every name. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The peace announced by the angels in Luke 2:14 is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the deep, abiding peace that comes from being restored to God. Because of Christ’s humility and sacrifice, people on earth can now live in peace with God and with one another. His glory did not end at the cross. It continues to shine through redeemed lives, transformed hearts, and the ongoing work of grace in the world.

What a truly great Savior we have. He came humbly, suffered willingly, and triumphed eternally. In His humility, we see God’s glory. In His blood, we find our peace. This Christmas, may our lives reflect gratitude, obedience, and praise to the One who humbled Himself for us and reigns forever in glory.