The WESTMINSTER LARGER Catechism

WLC 48. How did Christ humble Himself in His life?

A. Christ humbled Himself in His life, by subjecting Himself to the law,1 which He perfectly fulfilled;2 and by conflicting with the indignities of the world,3 temptations of Satan,4
and infirmities in His flesh, whether common to the nature of man,
or particularly accompanying that His low condition.5

Proofs

1Gal 4:4; 2Mt 5:17; Rom 5:19; 3Ps 22:6; Heb 12:2-3; 4Mt 4:1-12; Lk 4:13; 5Heb 2:17-18; 4:15; Isa 52:13-14

In our previous study, we saw how "Christ humbled Himself in His conception and birth." But His humiliation did not end there. He humbled Himself also in His life in four areas:

First, although as God He was the Law-Giver and therefore above the Law, He subjected Himself to live under the Law. He did so in order to fulfil the covenant of works on the behalf of His Church as her covenant representative. As such, He kept His own Law, particularly, the ceremonial and moral laws perfectly. (The civil law was no longer in force as Israel had come under Roman power). During His entire earthly life from infancy to His crucifixion, the Lord did not break any of the Law’s commandments nor did He fail to fully perform any of the duties required.

Secondly, Christ suffered the "indignities of the world." Our catechism speaks of our Lord experiencing ‘conflict’ because the indignities of the world such as reproaches, shame, ridicule against Him (Ps 22:6; Heb 12:6) is so contrary to His nature of perfect holiness, righteousness and justice, and the perfect peace, order and reverence of heaven where He came.

Thirdly, Christ endured the "temptations of Satan." This was especially so at the beginning of His ministry (Mt 4:1-12; Lk 4:1-13) when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. This was a humiliation to our Saviour because it was an insult to His holy character and majesty to be tempted by a creature who is wicked, deceitful and in rebellion against God’s authority.

Fourthly, Christ suffered the "infirmities in His flesh" both as common to man, and as particular to the "low condition" that He was in. He suffered, for example, pain, sorrow, weariness, hunger, thirst and poverty. Our Lord Himself spoke of His poverty when He said: "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Lk 9:58). He was so poor that at the time of His death, His only possession was what He was wearing on His back. And even that was confiscated by the soldiers.

We must constantly bear in mind that Christ our Lord suffered all these out of love for us. Were it not for us, He would not have left heaven’s glory, and He would not have to suffer the terrible humiliation that came upon Him. Oh let our hearts be filled with deep gratitude and love towards Him as we contemplate on what He has condescended to suffer for us. And let us also not be discouraged and begin to murmur at our trials which we experience for Christ’s sake. Let us look to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith knowing He endured much more for our sakes than we can ever imagine.