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Christ’s life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice show us what true humility looks like, making Him the perfect example for anyone trying to live with a humble heart.
By looking at His life — from His modest beginning in the manger to His sacrificial death — we get a clear picture of what it means to live with a humble attitude.
Today we’ll wrap up our 4-part series on humility as we dig into the life and teachings of Jesus to uncover how we can learn to foster a heart of humility in our own life.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to listen (or read) part one in this series, be sure to hop over and check it out here. In it, we talk about what humble in the Bible means, what it doesn’t and the difference between humble and humility.
In today’s show, we’ll unpack…
- What it means to live a life of humility.
- 5 lessons of humility from Christ’s life.
- Jesus’ humility and what it means for Christians.
- How to have a humble spirit in a messed-up world.
The Role of Humility in the Christian Life
Living a humble life means more than just copying Jesus’ actions. It requires a change in how we think and act. The humble mind and humble heart that Jesus displayed are qualities we’re called to develop through our relationship with God.
It’s NOT about trying to live out these lessons on humility perfectly. It’s about striving to do better each day. And thankfully, God’s unconditional love, grace and mercy cover us when (not if) we fall short.
In Romans 12:3, Paul advises,
“Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not to think of yourselves as being more important than you are; devote your minds to sound judgment since God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith.” The Voice
This Bible verse encourages us to strive for a humble mindset, recognizing our limitations and valuing others above ourselves.
WHAT IS The Greek Word for Humility
As we learned in part one of this 4-part series, the Oxford Dictionary defines humility as: “Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. The quality of being free from pride or arrogance.”
In other words, as C.S. Lewis once said,
“Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
It’s putting the needs of others before our own.
The Greek word for humility, “tapeinosis,” is about lowering oneself or being modest.
It means putting yourself in a lower position and not thinking too highly of yourself. This idea of humility isn’t just some abstract concept, it’s something Jesus demonstrated in His daily life.
Throughout both His life and teachings, we see what true humility looks like in action.
For Christ Jesus, humility wasn’t just a nice idea — it was a way of life. He didn’t just talk about being humble; He actually practiced it in everything He did.
From washing the feet of His disciples to sacrificing His life on the cross, Jesus’ humble mind and heart were visible in everything He did. He showed us that humility is truly about serving others and putting their needs first, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.
So when we look at Christ’s life, we’re not just seeing a perfect example of humility; we’re seeing it as a real, practical part of how we, too, can live our lives.
The Kingdom of Heaven and Humility
So why is humility so important in God’s Kingdom?
Jesus’ teachings highlight the value of humility in our inheritance into the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18:4, Christ Jesus says,
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” NIV
By comparing humility to the innocence of little children, He shows that true humility involves a childlike simplicity and a willingness to serve others, without seeking recognition.
This teaching flips the worldly ideas of greatness and success on its head; showing that in Jesus’ kingdom, humility is seen as a sign of true spiritual maturity. Jesus’ examples of humility teach us that greatness in His kingdom means serving and uplifting others, rather than seeking personal glory.
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Jesus Christ: The Humble King
Jesus Christ, often called the King of Kings, demonstrated humility in a way that’s a little tough to grasp. Even though He’s the Son of God, He chose to live, not as a king, but as a “regular person” like you and I.
His life highlights that true humility means putting others before ourselves. But that’s just one of the many powerful lessons we can learn from Christ’s life and teachings.
Let’s take a moment to dig in and unpack five examples of Jesus’ humility.
1. The Form of a Servant: True Leadership
One of the most notable examples of Christ’s humility is when He took the form of a servant. In John 13:12-15, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, typically a job for the lowest servant.
” 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, ‘Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.'” NLT
This wasn’t just a simple act of service, but a deep expression of His humble life and dedication to putting others before Himself.
Jesus used this act to teach His disciples what real leadership looks like. When He asked, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He wasn’t just talking about washing their feet. He was teaching them the importance of humility in leadership.
True leadership, according to Jesus, means serving others without seeking personal glory.
2. The Last Supper: A Humble Act of Service
The Last Supper is another example of Jesus’ humility.
During this meal, He set up Holy Communion, likening His body and blood through bread and wine.
Even though He knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him, Jesus showed great humility by serving even those who would let Him down. (There aren’t too many of us who would do this. Am I right?)
This act of sharing the cup of suffering and breaking bread with His disciples shows Christ’s dedication to love and service, no matter what.
The Last Supper also gives us a model for living the Christian life today. It’s not only about remembering Jesus’ sacrifice but also about taking part in His grace and living out His teachings of humility and service.
3. The Humble Manger: Jesus’ Birth
From the very start of His life, Jesus demonstrated humility.
Born in a humble manger, He came into the world in the simplest way possible. This lowly beginning stands in sharp contrast with our earthly expectations of royalty, showing His humble nature from the very beginning.
The image of the invisible God chose to be born in such simplicity, making a powerful statement for us.
Everyone was expecting a King with all their lavishness and grandeur, but instead, they found Him in a humble stable, wrapped in simple clothes, lying in a manger.
This unexpected beginning emphasizes that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes not from earthly splendor but from humility and selflessness.
This humble manger is more than just a simple birthplace; it symbolizes Jesus’ willingness to be a servant and connect with the lowest in society.
His birth in such a setting shows that true humility often means embracing the simple and challenging worldly views on power and status.
4. The Cup of Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane
Another impressive example of Jesus’ humility is His acceptance of the cup of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He faced the agony of the cross, Jesus prayed,
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” Luke 22:42 NIV
This moment in such a stressful time, shows His submission to the will of the Heavenly Father and His willingness to endure suffering for the glory of God.
In His prayer, Jesus expressed a human desire to avoid suffering but ultimately chose to follow the will of God.
This act of surrender demonstrates His great love and humility for The Father, as He put our needs above His own comfort. (I know…It’s pretty darn humbling when we truly acknowledge what He did for us.)
5. Jesus’ Humility Is Both Unexpected and Extraordinary
The paradox of Christ’s humility is that, even though He’s the Son of God with godly characteristics, He CHOSE to live a humble life.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, paradox means, a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true.
So this unexpected truth about Jesus being the Son of God, yet choosing to live among us as The Servant, challenges our understanding of humility and demonstrates that true greatness comes from selflessness and service.
Jesus’ humble life and His submission to the will of God teach us that even the King of Heaven embraced a life of service and sacrifice.
Jesus’ Humility and the Christian Life
Jesus’ life is the best example of humility for us as Christians. His teachings demonstrate that humility isn’t just an attitude but a way of living.
In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus teaches His disciples about real greatness in His kingdom, saying,
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” NIV
This powerful lesson in the New Testament teaches us that true humility involves serving others selflessly and putting their needs before our own.
Oh, I get it. This isn’t always easy to do.
But when we strive, not for perfection, but to just do better every day and stay connected to God through prayer, He’ll always give us the help we need to foster a humble heart.
Jesus’ Humility in the Teachings of the Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul often talks about the humility of Christ in his letters, encouraging believers to follow Jesus’ example.
For instance, in Philippians 2:5, Paul says,
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” NIV
This call isn’t just about copying Jesus’ actions but about adopting His humble mind and attitude.
Paul’s teachings show that having a humble heart is a key part of living the Christian life. By following Christ’s example, we’re called to live with a humble heart, putting others’ needs first and serving selflessly.
The Humility of Jesus: The Suffering Servant
Throughout His ministry, Jesus saw Himself as the suffering servant, a role that shows deep humility. In Isaiah 53, the prophet describes this servant as,
“He was despised and rejected — a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” Isaiah 53:3 NLT
This description mirrors Jesus’ own experiences of rejection and suffering and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Christ’s role as the suffering servant demonstrates His willingness to endure hardship and sacrifice for others. His painful death on the cross is the ultimate example of humility, as He took on our sin and suffering to offer salvation and eternal life.
The Humility of Jesus and the Grace of God
The grace of God is a central theme in Jesus’ life and teachings. His humility and sacrifice are a reflection of our Father’s grace, which is given freely to everyone who believes. Jesus’ humility isn’t just a personal virtue but a demonstration of God’s love and mercy.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” NIV
This verse explains that salvation isn’t something we earn, but a gift from God. In other words, salvation isn’t something we achieve.
It’s a gift we receive from our loving Father.
And Christ’s humility and sacrifice are at the very center of God’s grace, providing a beautiful example of how we should strive to live and interact with others.
How Can The Holy Spirit Help Us Foster a Humble Heart
It can be tough to cultivate a spirit of humility, especially when our human minds are constantly bombarded by a world that shouts “every man for himself.” In a society that often values self-promotion and competition, staying humble can feel like swimming against the current.
But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can navigate these challenges and develop a humble heart, despite the pressures around us.
Think of the Holy Spirit as a kind of spiritual coach. One who gives us the strength and power we need to foster a spirit of humility.
Instead of trying to achieve it on our own, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and support us as we work to develop a humble heart.
When we feel like it’s tough to put others first or to stay grounded in Jesus and His teachings, the Holy Spirit is there to give us the help we need.
He helps us shift our focus from ourselves to others, making it easier to adopt a spirit of humility.
So, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the challenge, remember that you have a powerful ally in the Holy Spirit; one who’s ready to provide the strength you need to live a life of humility.
All you have to do is ask.
Ask The Spirit to help you develop a humble heart. Ask that He teach you patience as you grow in humility.
5 Powerful Examples of Jesus Humility in the Bible
Embracing humility in our daily lives means focusing on the needs of others and prioritizing their well-being over our own. It involves avoiding selfish ambition and concentrating on serving others, just like Jesus did.
Throughout this 4-part series, we’ve learned the role humility plays in our lives as Christians. We dug into the story of Mary in the Bible and how she demonstrated a humble heart in a culture that was sure to condemn. We uncovered how Daniel humbly refused the rewards offered by King Belshazzar, choosing instead to focus on delivering God’s message.
And finally, we wrapped up with Jesus — the perfect example of humility.
If you’re ready for true spiritual growth and transformation; if you’re ready to experience the life God has for you, then it begins with a humble heart.
So let’s wrap up this series with this week’s show. Grab your earbuds and your favorite beverage and join me for 5 Powerful Examples of Jesus Humility in the Bible.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 02:13 What does living a life of humility mean
- 06:50 Jesus, an unlikely King
- 08:39 5 Lessons from Jesus’ life
- 25:39 Christ’s humility and the Christian life
- 28:54 How to have a humble spirit in a messed-up world
- 30:43 Wrapping Up
[Check out everything mentioned in the show here.]
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Mentioned in TODAY’S show
What Does Humble in the Bible Mean — Episode 141
How to Let Go of Perfection to Follow God — Episode 86
