The humility of Christ is a profound theme throughout the New Testament, exemplified in various instances where Jesus deliberately refused earthly honors and recognition. This aspect of His character underscores His mission and the nature of His kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to worldly expectations of power and prestige.

Refusal to be Made King

One of the most notable instances of Christ refusing honors is found in the Gospel of John. After the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd, recognizing the power and authority of Jesus, sought to make Him king by force. However, Jesus withdrew to a mountain by Himself, avoiding the political and earthly honor they intended to bestow upon Him. John 6:15 states, "Aware that they intended to come and make Him king by force, Jesus withdrew again to a mountain by Himself." This act of withdrawal highlights His commitment to a spiritual kingdom rather than an earthly reign.

Rejection of Worldly Glory

In the temptation narrative, Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if He would bow down and worship him. Jesus' refusal of this offer, as recorded in Matthew 4:8-10 , demonstrates His rejection of worldly power and honor. Jesus responds, "Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'" This refusal underscores His dedication to the will of the Father and His mission of redemption, which does not align with the pursuit of temporal glory.

Avoidance of Publicity

Throughout His ministry, Jesus often instructed those He healed to tell no one about Him. In Mark 1:43-45 , after healing a leper, Jesus "sternly warned him and sent him away at once, saying, 'See that you don’t tell anyone.'" This consistent pattern of avoiding publicity and honor reflects His focus on fulfilling His divine mission rather than seeking human accolades.

Entry into Jerusalem

Even during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus chose to ride on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and symbolizing peace and humility rather than military conquest. Matthew 21:5 records, "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" This choice of transportation was a deliberate act of humility, contrasting with the expectations of a conquering king.

Silence Before Accusers

In His trial before Pilate and the chief priests, Jesus remained silent in the face of false accusations, refusing to defend Himself or assert His innocence. Matthew 27:12-14 notes, "And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, 'Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?' But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement." His silence was a powerful testament to His humility and submission to the Father's will, even unto death.

These instances collectively illustrate the profound humility of Christ, who consistently refused earthly honors and recognition, choosing instead the path of servanthood and sacrifice. His life and actions serve as a model for believers, emphasizing the values of the kingdom of God over the fleeting glories of this world.John 5:41
I receive not honor from men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:15
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... was no ground of faith to afford a lodging to the Teacher of humility; for in Christ's
discipleship the man sought not Christ's grace, but his own glory ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... vain language,(166) he now blushed not to be a child of Thy Christ, and an infant
at Thy fountain, submitting his neck to the yoke of humility, and subduing ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... William Ross is not exhibited as a great man ... justifying grace through faith in Jesus
Christ while attending a ... and diffidence, a meekness and humility, every way ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... presented his Constitutum to him refusing to condemn ... I anathematize Arius with all
his doctrines {HORIZONTAL ... restored by the mercy of Christ), everything which ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

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