Topical Bible: Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom

◄ Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Humility is a central theme in Christian theology and is considered a virtue of great importance in the life of a believer. It is often associated with a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, humility is not only encouraged but is also presented as a defining characteristic of those who are greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of humility is woven throughout the Scriptures, with numerous passages highlighting its significance. In the Old Testament, humility is often linked with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:4 states, "The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life." This verse underscores the blessings that accompany a humble heart.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches humility. In Matthew 18:1-4, the disciples ask Jesus, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responds by calling a little child to Him and saying, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" . Here, Jesus emphasizes that greatness in His kingdom is not about power or status but about humility and childlike faith.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Christ, though being 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" . This passage highlights the depth of Christ's humility, as He willingly set aside His divine privileges to serve humanity and offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin.

Humility in Christian Living

The call to humility is not limited to Christ's example but extends to all believers. James 4:10 instructs, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" . This verse assures believers that God honors and lifts up those who approach Him with a humble heart. Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5-6 encourages believers to "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" .

Humility is also essential in relationships within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:2 urges believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" . This attitude fosters unity and peace within the church, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.

The Paradox of Greatness

In the teachings of Jesus, there is a paradoxical relationship between humility and greatness. In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus declares, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" . This principle turns worldly notions of greatness upside down, emphasizing that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others and placing their needs above one's own.

Conclusion

Humility is a foundational virtue for those who seek to follow Christ and be part of His kingdom. It is through humility that believers align themselves with the character of Jesus, serve others selflessly, and ultimately find their place of honor in the eyes of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:4
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:26-28
But it shall not be so among you: but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Greatness in the Kingdom
... on our side the reception with humility, helplessness, dependent ... Whether you have
a beam of the same sort in ... in the kingdom may become the greatest there, if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/greatness in the kingdom.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... and at last one ventured to ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the ... They would have
no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they were ... Before honor is humility. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... Such simplicity, modesty, humility, must be ours. ... such a kind that there may be many
greatest; for the ... answer the question, but of men who have made themselves ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

Receiving and Forbidding
... disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.35 ... Note, then, that here we
have not so much the ... An indolent humility, so very humble that it does nothing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/receiving and forbidding.htm

Humility.
... just before His crucifixion, His disciples should have been striving ... this strife
as to who should be the greatest. ... That was another object lesson of humility. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... to be reputed as a sinner was the greatest pattern of ... in the angels, should himself
endure to have sin imputed to him is the most amazing humility that ever was ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Humility exalts us in the esteem of men, and it exalts ... as this little child, the
same is the greatest in the ... of heaven.' Matthew 18:8. He shall have a greater ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World
... "The greatest thing," says ... all that, you have to learn this further thing,
humility"to put a ... We have no balance to weigh one another's sins, and coarser and ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/drummond the greatest thing.htm

The Ceaselessness of Prayer
... paradox of all things; and the action of the Spirit is the greatest miracle in ... Whole
sections of our Protestantism have lost the virtue of humility or the ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter v the ceaselessness of.htm

Parting Promises and Warnings
... not be so: but he that is greatest among you ... passive between the two antagonists,
but have to take ... of our own weakness, which deepens humility and forbearance ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/parting promises and warnings.htm