Be Humble & Forgiving

APR 02  / Sunday | Series: Impossible Commands – Read Eph 4:2 / Phil 2 / Luke 23:34

Overview: Jesus is the very definition of humility and forgiveness. And God asks us to be the same? Sounds impossible…so why does God expect it from us?

03 / Mon – Humility is an attitude  |  Read Eph 4:2 / Phil 2:5-8

Yesterday, we commemorated Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a humble donkey. This is one example of how Jesus lived out this command we’ve been given. Does it seem impossible to be humble at all times? It is. But you start by seeing humility as an attitude. Look at Jesus’ mindset. It’s what motivated his words/actions and how he treated others. This impossible command is possible because Jesus lives in you and the Holy Spirit can empower you. Will you start by admitting your own inability?

04 / Tue – Case in point  |  Read Luke 18:9-14

In this familiar story, what do you think motivated the religious man’s prayer? How did it contrast with the second man’s? Both were honest but what was different about their prayers? Did the first man even realize he had a need? It is possible to do a good thing (pray) but with the wrong attitude. After admitting you can’t obey this command to be completely humble, the next step is to confess you don’t even want to be at times. In your honesty, God will meet you there.

05 / Wed – Answering Jesus’ question  |  Read Mark 10:35-41, 46-52

Jesus frequently asked those who came to him…“what do you want me to do for you?” James and John wanted status. Bartimaeus wanted to see. What was Jesus’ answer to each? What happened when James/John did not get what they wanted? What was the blind man’s response when he did? If Jesus asked you this same question today, what would you say? Would you ask him to help you obey these impossible commands? Your love is demonstrated by your desire to obey.

06 / Thu – Action step: Serve |  Read Mark 10:45 / Phil 2:3-4

True humility is revealed in action. Most people would not consider pride (lack of humility) to be a problem in their life. Sometimes it takes asking God to show us where it might be lurking. And when he does, it is often associated with unwillingness to serve others. How countercultural Jesus was, the literal Son of God, who deserves all honor and glory and worship, set that right aside to serve those he created, holding nothing back. How can this truth inform the way you serve others?

07 / Fri – Action Step: Forgive  |  Read Luke 23:34

True humility is willing to forgive. Does this even apply to those who have sinned against you in the most terrible ways? Jesus forgave the men who were putting him to death, the religious leaders who had plotted his demise and his followers who’d betrayed, deserted, denied even knowing him. Your own willingness to forgive starts by realizing that you could potentially do terrible things to others if you were in a different life situation. When you ask for God’s help to forgive, he will enable you to do so. It starts with a choice even when you don’t feel like doing it. Who is on your list?

08 / Sat – Black Saturday  |  Read Romans 8:26-28

Imagine you are one of the disciples. Feel the terror, grief and confusion. Jesus was arrested, tortured and crucified. He died and was buried just yesterday. You all have scattered, in hiding, fearing for your own life. Your trust has been shattered. You question everything you thought you knew about Jesus. Your faith in God is falling to pieces. You don’t even know how to process what’s happened. When you find yourself in that kind of situation, remember this: the resurrection proves the worst thing is never the last thing in God’s plan. Sunday’s coming!