Topical Encyclopedia The humility of Christ is a profound theme woven throughout the New Testament, exemplified most vividly in His incarnation—His taking on human nature. This act of humility is central to understanding the character and mission of Jesus Christ, as it demonstrates His willingness to descend from divine glory to human frailty for the sake of humanity's redemption.Scriptural Foundation The Apostle Paul captures the essence of Christ's humility in Philippians 2:6-7 : "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." This passage highlights the voluntary nature of Christ's humility. Though He existed in the form of God, He chose not to cling to His divine privileges but instead emptied Himself, assuming the form of a servant. The Incarnation The incarnation is the ultimate expression of Christ's humility. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Here, the eternal Word, who was with God and was God (John 1:1), took on human flesh. This act of becoming flesh signifies a profound condescension, as the Creator entered His creation, subjecting Himself to the limitations and sufferings of human existence. Purpose and Implications Christ's taking on human nature was not merely an act of identification with humanity but was essential for the fulfillment of His redemptive work. Hebrews 2:14-17 explains, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. For this reason, He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people." By taking on human nature, Christ was able to fully represent humanity, offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin. His humanity enabled Him to sympathize with human weaknesses, making Him a compassionate and understanding high priest. The Model of Humility Christ's humility in taking on human nature serves as a model for believers. In Philippians 2:5 , Paul exhorts, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Believers are called to emulate Christ's humility, adopting a mindset that prioritizes the needs of others above personal ambition or status. Conclusion The humility of Christ, as exhibited in His taking on human nature, is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It reveals the depth of God's love and the lengths to which He would go to redeem His creation. Through His incarnation, Christ not only accomplished the work of salvation but also provided a perfect example of humility for His followers to emulate. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 2:7But made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:16 Library Philippians iii. 13, 14 the Nature of this Oversight Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Introduction Letter ix. Meditation. Acts i. 1, 2 Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment Of the Prophecies of the Old Testament in their visible ... Christ's People --Imitators of Him Attributes of Love. 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) |