Topical Encyclopedia The birth of Jesus Christ stands as a profound testament to His humility, a central theme in Christian theology. The incarnation of the Son of God, as described in the Gospels, reveals a divine condescension that is both awe-inspiring and deeply instructive for believers.Prophetic Anticipation The humility of Christ's birth was foretold by the prophets, emphasizing the unexpected and lowly nature of His arrival. Isaiah 7:14 prophesies, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy highlights the miraculous yet humble circumstances of His birth, born of a virgin, signifying purity and divine intervention. The Setting of His Birth The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. Luke 2:7 states, "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The setting of a manger, a feeding trough for animals, underscores the humility of His entrance into the world. Born not in a palace but in a stable, Jesus' birth defies worldly expectations of grandeur and power. The Announcement to Shepherds The announcement of Christ's birth to shepherds further illustrates His humility. Luke 2:8-12 recounts how an angel appeared to shepherds, considered lowly and marginalized in society, to proclaim the Savior's birth: "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord." The choice of shepherds as the first recipients of this divine message signifies God's favor towards the humble and the meek, aligning with the nature of Christ's mission. The Role of Mary and Joseph Mary and Joseph, chosen as earthly parents for Jesus, exemplify humility and obedience to God's will. Mary, a young woman of humble means, responds to the angel Gabriel's announcement with submission, as recorded in Luke 1:38: "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word." Joseph, a righteous man, accepts the divine plan despite the social stigma associated with Mary's pregnancy (Matthew 1:19-24). Their roles in the nativity narrative highlight the virtue of humility in accepting God's purposes. The Fulfillment of Micah's Prophecy The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, becomes the birthplace of the King of Kings, further emphasizing the theme of humility. The Incarnation: Divine Humility The incarnation itself is the ultimate act of humility. Philippians 2:6-7 captures this profound mystery: "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." The eternal Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) signifies a voluntary relinquishment of divine privilege, embracing human frailty and limitation. The birth of Christ, marked by simplicity and lowliness, serves as a powerful reminder of the humility that characterized His life and ministry. Through His humble beginnings, Jesus exemplifies the values of the Kingdom of God, inviting believers to emulate His humility in their own lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:4-7And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) Torrey's Topical Textbook Library His Childhood and Youth. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Introduction Christ's Intercessory Prayer. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Of the Words of St. Matthew's Gospel, Chap. Iii. 13, "Then Jesus ... The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah. Huss and Jerome Huss and Jerome. Resources What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ego? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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