Philippians 2:5-8

⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Good Friday brings us to the foot of the cross—to the culmination of Jesus’s earthly mission and the greatest act of sacrifice in human history. Jesus, “being in very nature God,” chose to set aside divine privilege. He surrendered heavenly comfort for earthly limitation. He sacrificed not just His life, but His rightful place, emptying Himself completely for the sake of others.

The cross reveals the profound truth that the path to new life often runs through sacrifice and surrender. Jesus gave up what was rightfully His so that we might receive what we could never earn. His surrender was not defeat but the means of victory. His sacrifice was not merely loss but the pathway to restoration.

This paradox challenges our natural instincts. We tend to hold tightly to what we believe we deserve—our comfort, our rights, our plans, our dreams. We resist sacrifice because we fear loss. Yet Christ’s example invites us to consider: What might God accomplish through our willingness to surrender? What greater purpose might our sacrifices serve?

For those living in poverty, sacrifice is often not a choice but a daily reality. Parents go without food so their children can eat. Dreams are deferred so basic needs can be met. Yet even in these circumstances, we witness how freely chosen sacrifices—motivated by love rather than necessity—can become powerful catalysts for transformation.

As we contemplate the cross today, we might ask: What am I holding onto that God might be asking me to surrender? What sacrifice might I be called to make for the sake of others? How might my willingness to let go create space for God’s redeeming work?

Nanay Liezel, a 51-year-old mother living in a house built from old G.I sheets and scrap materials, was determined to lift her family out of poverty. After joining ICM’s program, she discovered an opportunity to start a small business making banana fries.

Starting with just 5 pieces sold for 5 pesos to local children, her business gradually grew. Despite using only rudimentary tools—an old skillet, a basic slicer, and a candle for sealing packages—she eventually fulfilled bulk orders of hundreds of pieces per day.

To focus on this growing opportunity, “Nanay Liezel made the difficult decision to pause her studies at the Alternative Learning System (ALS). However, she saw it as a necessary sacrifice to fulfill her financial responsibilities as a mother.” This decision bore fruit: “The income she generated from her business not only uplifted her family’s financial situation but also helped her provide for the needs of her college-aged son.”

Nanay Liezel’s small sacrifice points us toward the incomparably greater sacrifice we remember today. On the cross, Christ gave up not just earthly comfort or personal goals, but His very life—freely offering Himself for our salvation. While our human sacrifices are limited and imperfect, they can still reflect, in a small way, the self-giving love that reached its perfect expression on Calvary.

As Nanay Liezel discovered, “Walking in God’s path is not about changing or having a religion, but about faith and determination.” On this Good Friday, we are reminded that the path of faith was paved by Christ’s ultimate determination to complete His mission of love, despite its immeasurable cost.

• As you reflect on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, what aspects of His surrender speak most powerfully to your heart today?
• Where in your life might God be inviting you to surrender something you’re holding tightly—a plan, a comfort, a right, or a dream? Bring this before Him in prayer.
• Consider the sacrifices others have made for you throughout your life. How might their examples, like Nanay Liezel’s, inspire your own willingness to sacrifice for the good of others?

Lord Jesus, on this solemn day we stand in awe before Your cross—the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love. You, who deserved all glory and honor, surrendered everything for us. Help me grasp more fully the depth of Your sacrifice and the height of Your love.

I confess that I often resist surrender. I cling to my comfort, my rights, my plans, fearing what I might lose. Forgive my reluctance to follow where You lead. Give me the courage to open my hands and release what You are asking me to surrender.

I pray for those who, like Nanay Liezel, make daily sacrifices for their loved ones—parents who set aside their own needs for their children, workers who endure hardship to provide for their families, caregivers who give tirelessly with little recognition. Strengthen them and honor their sacrifices.

Transform my understanding of surrender, Lord. Help me see it not as defeat but as the pathway to greater purpose. And when sacrifice feels too costly, remind me of this day when Your greatest loss became our greatest gain. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

The final devotional in this series will be delivered via our email newsletter on Easter morning.