April 5 – The Descending Way of Jesus

Gregg’s Reflection

Henri Nouwen’s words on the “descending way of Jesus” remind me that the Gospel turns the world’s wisdom upside down. In my early years in business, I was trained to climb—always up, always forward, always more. The path of Jesus, however, often leads in the opposite direction: into suffering that heals, humiliation that frees, and hiddenness that shapes the soul.

I have known this hiddenness firsthand. After leaving the family business, I entered a season where my work was largely unseen—quiet conversations, mentoring, prayer, and study. At first, it felt like a demotion from the visible leadership I had known. But in time, I began to see it as preparation for deeper service. God was doing work in the shadows that public platforms could never accomplish.

The descending way doesn’t ask us to throw our lives overboard in a heroic gesture—it asks for a slow, faithful clearing of the path in our own hearts, pulling the weeds of pride and self-reliance. In that quiet descent, we discover the same truth Jesus embodied: the way down is the way to life.

Scripture

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.

Philippians 2:5–7

Ancient Quotes

Do not seek the heights; in humility, the valley is full of God.

St. Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies

Modern Quotes

The descending way is a way that is concealed in each person’s heart… Slowly but surely we have to clear the weeds, open the way, and set out on it unafraid.

Henri Nouwen, Nouwen Society Daily Devotion, 3/13/22

Journaling Prompts

• Where might God be inviting you to take the “descending way” right now?
  
  
• What weeds in your heart need clearing to make space for God’s life to grow?
  
  
• How could hiddenness and humility be part of your calling in this season?

Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 14 Reflection: Failing, Falling, Into the Abyss