The concept of humility and submission is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate exemplar. His life and teachings provide a profound model for believers, emphasizing the virtues of humility and submission to God's will.

Jesus Christ as the Model

Jesus Christ is the quintessential model of humility and submission. Philippians 2:5-8 encapsulates this: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul highlights the humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to take on human form and submit to the will of the Father, even to the point of death. This act of self-emptying, known as kenosis, is central to understanding Christ's humility.

Submission to the Father's Will

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated submission to the Father's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing imminent crucifixion, Jesus prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This prayer reflects His willingness to submit to God's plan, prioritizing divine purpose over personal desire.

Teachings on Humility

Jesus' teachings further underscore the importance of humility. In Matthew 18:4 , He states, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus uses the innocence and dependence of a child as a metaphor for the humility required to enter the kingdom of God.

Moreover, in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector, concluding, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Apostolic Teachings on Humility and Submission

The apostles also emphasize humility and submission as essential Christian virtues. James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5-6 instructs, "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you."

Practical Application for Believers

Believers are called to emulate Christ's humility and submission in their daily lives. This involves a willingness to serve others, as Jesus demonstrated when He washed the disciples' feet (John 13:14-15). It also requires a heart of obedience to God's commands and a readiness to place His will above personal ambitions.

In relationships, humility manifests as considering others more significant than oneself, as instructed in Philippians 2:3 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

Conclusion

The model of humility and submission presented by Jesus Christ is foundational to Christian living. His life and teachings provide a blueprint for believers, encouraging them to adopt a posture of humility and a spirit of submission to God's will, thereby reflecting the character of Christ in their own lives.