Topical Bible: The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised

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The humility of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, exemplified through His interactions and associations with those considered despised and marginalized by society. This aspect of Christ's ministry highlights His mission to reach all people, regardless of their social status or reputation, and serves as a model for Christian conduct.

Associating with Tax Collectors and Sinners

One of the most striking examples of Christ's humility is His willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners, groups often scorned by the religious elite of His time. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples. "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him" (Matthew 9:9). This act of calling a tax collector to be among His closest followers demonstrates Christ's disregard for societal prejudices.

Furthermore, Jesus often dined with tax collectors and sinners, much to the chagrin of the Pharisees. In Luke 15:1-2, it is recorded, "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'" Jesus' response to their criticism is encapsulated in the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, illustrating His mission to seek and save the lost.

Ministering to the Samaritans

Another significant instance of Christ's humility is His interaction with the Samaritans, a group despised by the Jews. In John 4, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at the well, breaking multiple social norms of the time. He not only engages in conversation with her but also reveals His identity as the Messiah. "Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am He'" (John 4:26). This encounter not only demonstrates Christ's humility but also His desire to transcend ethnic and cultural barriers to offer salvation to all.

Healing the Lepers

Leprosy was a condition that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and socially ostracized. Yet, Jesus did not shy away from these individuals. In Luke 17:12-14, Jesus encounters ten lepers and heals them, showing compassion and mercy. "As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, shouting, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!' When Jesus saw them, He said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed" (Luke 17:12-14). This act of healing not only restored their physical health but also their place in society.

Welcoming Children

In a society where children were often seen as insignificant, Jesus welcomed them and used them as examples of the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Mark 10:13-16, people were bringing children to Jesus, and the disciples rebuked them. However, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14). By valuing children, Jesus demonstrated that humility and openness are essential qualities in His kingdom.

Conclusion

Through His associations with the despised, Christ exemplified humility and challenged societal norms. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of His message and the call for His followers to emulate His example of love and humility.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 9:10,11
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:1,2
Then drew near to him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... clearness, calmness, and self-possession, humility, dignity, and ... and are daily and
hourly exhibited in the ... The historical Christ meets and satisfies our ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... intensity of his wickedness [2324] but exhibited the obedience ... love of God which
is in Christ Jesus? ... children, ie, have returned to the humility and simplicity ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... wash you in.[97]. CHRIST. But if He parts with His righteousness to us, what will
He have for Himself? GREAT-HEART. He has more righteousness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm