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5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I can't apologize for loving and admiring Mr. Fred Rogers so much; for he lived a life that was fueled by his love for Jesus, his love for children, his love for the right way to live, and dedicating his entire life to helping make the world a better place. There were not two Fred Rogers; just one. There wasn't' one who presented himself on tv as a fake do-gooder, then we read about horrible events in his life that made one shudder knowing that such a beast could roam free among us. No, the Fred Rogers who was Mister Rogers, a gentle man who shared his day with children and then taught things that others hate, like sharing a pool with a black man, or talking about death when so many feared it. To be fair, Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister who lived a calling to and with the world while sharing God's love.
As we come to the close of Lent and enter Holy Week, this passage calls us to reflect deeply on the humility and obedience of Christ. The One who had every right to remain in the glory of heaven chose instead to enter our world, to serve, to suffer, and to die—for us.
Jesus didn’t cling to power. He didn’t demand status. Instead, He "made Himself nothing"—a phrase that captures the heart of Lent. Jesus laid down His rights, took on human flesh, and walked the road of obedience all the way to the cross.
This is the way of Christ: humility, self-emptying, and total surrender to the will of the Father. And Paul’s charge is clear: “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” We’re not just to admire Jesus’ humility—we’re to imitate it.
In a culture that prizes self-promotion and independence, the call to humble obedience may feel radical. Yet this is the way of transformation. This is the path to true life.
And here is the promise: Christ’s obedience led to exaltation. The cross gave way to the crown. The name of Jesus is now lifted above every name—and we, too, are lifted up when we follow Him in love and humility.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself for our sake. You chose the path of service, suffering, and surrender so that we might know grace. Forgive us for the ways we cling to pride or resist obedience. Give me Your mindset. Teach us to walk in humility, to serve others, and to follow wherever You lead. Let this Holy Week be a time when we draw closer to You in heart, mind, and action. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to practice humble obedience. Whether through an act of service, a word of encouragement, or surrendering your will in prayer, choose the way of Christ. Let His humility shape how you love others and live this week.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
