Topical Encyclopedia Humility, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, is a central theme in Christian theology and practice. The life and teachings of Jesus provide a profound model of humility, which is characterized by selflessness, servitude, and submission to the will of God. This entry explores the various aspects of Christ's humility as depicted in the Scriptures.Incarnation and Birth The humility of Christ is first evident in the Incarnation. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, describes how Jesus, though being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). This act of becoming human, born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, signifies the profound humility of the Son of God, who chose to enter the world in the most unassuming manner. Life and Ministry Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated humility. He associated with the marginalized and the outcasts, showing compassion and love to those whom society often rejected. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites His followers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . His humility is further illustrated in His interactions with His disciples, whom He taught to serve others rather than seek positions of power or prestige. Washing of the Disciples' Feet One of the most poignant examples of Christ's humility is found in the account of the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. In John 13:14-15, Jesus says, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . This act of servitude, performed by the Master for His followers, underscores the call to humility and service in the Christian life. Obedience to the Father Christ's humility is also evident in His obedience to the will of the Father, even unto death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). His submission to God's plan, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the ultimate expression of humility. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . Exaltation Through Humility The humility of Christ is not only a model for believers but also a pathway to exaltation. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" . This passage highlights the divine principle that true exaltation comes through humility and obedience to God. In summary, the humility of Christ is a foundational aspect of His character and mission. His life serves as a perfect example for believers, calling them to live lives marked by humility, service, and submission to God's will. Through His example, Christians are encouraged to embrace humility as a virtue that leads to spiritual growth and divine favor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 11:29Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 13:14,15 Philippians 2:5-8 Library Christ as an Example of Humility. Christ as an Example of Humility. Christ Teaching Humility Christ was not Regenerated in the Baptism of John, but Submitted ... The Thirteenth Chapter: the Obedience of one Humbly Subject to the ... Of the Obedience of one in Lowly Subjection after the Example of ... That Christ came into the World, not Only to Instruct Us, but Also ... The Imitation of Christ How Brother Masseo Obtained from Christ the virtue of Humility Of the Reasons Why Jesus Christ Appears to Each one of us Either ... Resources What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism? What is an egoist / egotist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
    |