Christ's Humility in Life: Fulfilling the Law and Enduring Trials (Westminster Catechism)

Understanding the humility of Christ is crucial to grasping the entire narrative of the Gospel. Last week, we discussed the humility of Christ in his birth. This week, we delve further. The Westminster Larger Catechism invites us to reflect on this humility, asking the vital question:

“How did Christ humble himself in his life?”

The profound answer provided is:

“Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition.”

Christ's Submission to the Law

In theological terms, the life of Christ serves as a mirror, reflecting God's holiness and justice. The Catechism highlights that Christ subjected Himself to the law, showcasing His commitment to fulfilling every requirement, as Paul points out in Galatians 4:4, which states, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law."

By living under the law, Jesus fully embraced it, showcasing His integrity and character. Matthew 5:17 confirms this when Jesus says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Christ is the second Adam, and as such, He does what Adam was unable to do. Where Adam failed by bringing the curse of sin, Christ succeeds by fulfilling the law.

The Weight of the Law

Christ's humility through the law was not just about following rules; it included the internal burden of righteousness. As Romans 5:19 tells us, "For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous." Here, Christ serves as the contrast to Adam's rebellion, providing a path to righteousness for humanity.

His perfection is shown through His responses to challenges. For example, when confronted with unlawful temptations, He refocused on truth. His submission illustrates the seriousness of His mission: to redeem mankind by living a life free from sin.

Conflicting With Indignities and Temptations

The Catechism states that Christ confronted "the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh." During His earthly life, Jesus faced scorn, rejection, and humiliation from those He came to save.

In Psalms 22:6, the psalmist foreshadowed this by writing, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people." These misunderstandings, betrayals, and public ridicule characterized Christ's earthly ministry. For instance, He faced constant criticism from the religious leaders, giving a backdrop of adversity to His message.

Temptations in the Wilderness

A pivotal moment in Christ's humility is His time in the wilderness. According to Matthew 4:1-12, Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil for 40 days. Enduring these temptations highlights that despite His lowly condition, He stood firm against evil.

Luke 4:13 reflects that "When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." Despite relentless attacks, Christ remained obedient to His mission. His victories serve as a testament to both His humanity and divinity, reinforcing the depths of His humility.

Sharing in Our Infirmities

The Catechism reminds us of the infirmities that accompanied Christ’s human experience. He understood human frailties because He experienced them firsthand. Hebrews 2:17-18 emphasizes this when it says, "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect... For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Christ's humility extends beyond theory; it is practical. He relates to our struggles, making Him a compassionate Savior we can approach in moments of weakness. For example, when we face loss or loneliness, remembering that He has faced similar feelings helps build our faith in His understanding and compassion.

The Ultimate Endurance: Crucifixion

The culmination of Christ’s humility unfolds at the crucifixion. Isaiah 52:13-14 prophesies His suffering, stating, "Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind."

Christ faced the ultimate humiliation, suffering shame, physical torture, and death. The evidence suggests that crucifixion was one of the most excruciating forms of execution, designed to inflict maximum pain. Each moment on the cross exemplified the pinnacle of His humility and love for humanity.

Looking to the Joy Set Before Him

Yet, amid the suffering, there was a joy set before Him. Hebrews 12:2-3 encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." For Christ, humility was not a sign of weakness; it became His strength, leading to the redemption of many.

As we reflect on Christ's humility throughout His life, we are reminded that this humility invites us to recognize our dependence on Him. Our responses to trials can reflect Christ's character as we strive to live with humility.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Christ's humility, particularly in the context of the Westminster Larger Catechism, serves as a call to rediscover His love and sacrifice. By submitting to the law, enduring indignities, facing temptation, and ultimately experiencing the crucifixion, Christ exemplified true humility.

As we reflect on His humble beginnings, we are reminded of His decision to become one of us. If you haven't done so, please read our previous reflections on His birth.

May we strive to embody this humility in our lives, recognizing that our struggles are part of a greater journey. We can find comfort in the One who experienced it all for our sake and His glory.

Soli Deo Gloria