Meekness: Christ Set an Example of
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Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is a profound strength characterized by humility, gentleness, and self-control. In the Christian tradition, meekness is a virtue that reflects a heart submitted to God, and it is exemplified perfectly in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides several passages that highlight Christ's meekness, offering believers a model to emulate.

Christ's Meekness in His Incarnation and Ministry

The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of meekness. Philippians 2:6-8 states, "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." Here, Christ's willingness to relinquish His divine privileges and take on human form is a profound act of humility and submission to the Father's will.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently displayed meekness. In Matthew 11:29 , Jesus invites, "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." This invitation underscores His gentle and approachable nature, offering rest and peace to those who follow Him.

Meekness in Christ's Interactions with Others

Christ's interactions with others further illustrate His meekness. In John 13:3-5 , Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, an act of servitude and humility. "Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him." Despite His divine authority, Jesus chose to serve, setting an example of meekness and love.

Moreover, Christ's response to opposition and suffering reveals His meekness. In 1 Peter 2:23 , it is written, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Jesus' restraint and trust in God's justice, even in the face of unjust treatment, exemplify the strength of meekness.

Meekness in Christ's Teachings

Jesus taught the value of meekness in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:5 , He declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." This beatitude highlights the spiritual reward and divine favor bestowed upon those who embody meekness. It is a call for believers to adopt a spirit of humility and gentleness, trusting in God's ultimate justice and provision.

Furthermore, Christ's parables often emphasize the importance of humility and meekness. In Luke 18:9-14 , the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector contrasts the pride of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector, concluding with the principle, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Role of Meekness in the Christian Life

Christ's example of meekness serves as a guiding principle for Christian conduct. Believers are called to emulate His humility and gentleness in their relationships with others and in their walk with God. In Colossians 3:12 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Meekness is an essential attribute of the Christian character, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

In summary, Christ's life and teachings provide a profound example of meekness, challenging believers to pursue this virtue as a reflection of their faith and devotion to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 45:4
And in your majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and your right hand shall teach you terrible things.
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Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
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Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
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Matthew 21:5
Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
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2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
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1 Peter 2:21-23
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
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Library

Of True Meekness and Adversity: and of the Example of the Saints ...
... things, may therefore merrily abide the meekness of Christ ... ye souls renewed, and
understand Christ truly, put to ... feet nailed through, and wounds set through all ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxvii of true meekness.htm

Christ on the Road to the Cross
... doing or suffering.' And our Master has set us the ... Christ, because He is perfect
love, is perfect power, and ... type of strength is strength in meekness, and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ on the road to.htm

The Seventh Season,
... your eyes the most eminent patterns of meekness and forgiveness ... forgive them; and
herein he hath set us an ... of his teeth; that meek servant of Christ spit out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vii the seventh season.htm

Of the Things Pertaining to Christ and the Church, Said Either ...
... it is acknowledged that this King is Christ, let each ... to Him who reigns because of
truth, meekness, and righteousness ... that kind may be, which are set down, not ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of the things pertaining.htm

Of the Mission of the Holy Ghost Fifty Days after Christ's ...
... His own blood, and by the example of His ... endured them, [1482] enjoined them in meekness
to endure ... it were, provincial tributaries, while it set Christ in the ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 23 of the mission of.htm

Of Poverty
... They soothly that shine in meekness and lowliness, though they have mickle riches,
yet shall they be set on the right hand of Christ when He deems. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iii of poverty.htm

Christ About his Father's Business
... Let a man believe that God has set him to do ... us hardness, wherewith, as good soldiers
of Christ, we ought ... his enemies to teach us the grace of meekness and of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christ about his fathers business.htm

Christ Teaching Humility
... as these:""Put on therefore"humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering ... of all that
Jesus did and suffered, to set us an ... "Imitating Christ's Humility." I ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching humility.htm

Christ Hastening to the Cross
... symbols of kingly might, and lowly meekness, power in ... heart, or the majestic energy
of Christ's resolved will ... strength to delight in obedience, to set our faces ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ hastening to the cross.htm

Christ's Ideal of a Monarch
... as the younger'; that suggests modesty and meekness of demeanour ... in our hearts, and
will throne Jesus Christ there ... planet from its orbit, and to set it circling ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christs ideal of a monarch.htm

Resources
What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org

What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.org

Meekness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Meekness

Meekness of Jesus

Meekness: A Characteristic of Wisdom

Meekness: A Fruit of the Spirit

Meekness: Abraham

Meekness: Blessedness of

Meekness: Christ Set an Example of

Meekness: David

Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning

Meekness: Gideon

Meekness: Hannah

Meekness: His Teaching

Meekness: Isaac

Meekness: Job

Meekness: Ministers should Follow After

Meekness: Ministers should Instruct Opposers With

Meekness: Ministers should Urge, on Their People

Meekness: Moses

Meekness: Necessary to a Christian Walk

Meekness: Paul

Meekness: Precious in the Sight of God

Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With

Meekness: Saints should Exhibit, in Conduct

Meekness: Saints should Put On

Meekness: Saints should Receive the Word of God With

Meekness: Saints should Restore the Erring With

Meekness: Saints should Seek

Meekness: Saints should Show to all Men

Meekness: Saul

Meekness: The Angel

Meekness: The Gospel to be Preached to Those Who Possess

Meekness: The Thessalonians

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Beautified With Salvation

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Exalted

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Guided and Taught

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Preserved

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Richly Provided For

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Increase Their Joy

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Shall Inherit the Earth

Related Terms

Lamb (124 Occurrences)

Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)

Meek (23 Occurrences)

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

Humbleness (1 Occurrence)

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)

Naughtiness (3 Occurrences)

Opposition (22 Occurrences)

Opposing (13 Occurrences)

Overtaken (36 Occurrences)

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)

Ingrafted (5 Occurrences)

Instructing (14 Occurrences)

Instruct (34 Occurrences)

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)

Tremendous (9 Occurrences)

Tender-heartedness (2 Occurrences)

Endurance (31 Occurrences)

Endued (7 Occurrences)

Engrafted (1 Occurrence)

Defense (49 Occurrences)

Deportment (12 Occurrences)

Detected (4 Occurrences)

Misconduct (4 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Meekly (1 Occurrence)

Mild (2 Occurrences)

Piety (21 Occurrences)

Prosperously (5 Occurrences)

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)

Peaceable (9 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Bowels (40 Occurrences)

Behavior (20 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Brawlers (2 Occurrences)

Clothe (52 Occurrences)

Considering (10 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Anybody (12 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Asketh (40 Occurrences)

Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences)

Symbol (8 Occurrences)

Submission (10 Occurrences)

Sometime (5 Occurrences)

Superabundance (4 Occurrences)

Shewing (23 Occurrences)

Showeth (20 Occurrences)

Splendour (32 Occurrences)

Self-restraint (2 Occurrences)

Temperance (3 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Dearly (30 Occurrences)

Beseech (85 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Conversation (30 Occurrences)

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Josiah (51 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Fearful (73 Occurrences)

Base (127 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Pastoral

Prepared (246 Occurrences)

Terrible (90 Occurrences)

James (40 Occurrences)

Moses (9295 Occurrences)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Thyself (352 Occurrences)

Prosper (91 Occurrences)

Aside (416 Occurrences)

Meekness: Blessedness of
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