Everything we read about the life of Jesus Christ speaks of His humility – from His birth in a stable to His burial in a borrowed tomb. Jesus is God Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, the all-powerful God who reigns supreme in majesty, power and might. Yet He is the greatest example ever given to us of humility.

We think of humility as not having pride or thinking of yourself as better than others. It is a modest or lowly view of your own importance. Humble people are authentic and sincere, are willing to listen and learn from others, and will admit their mistakes and shortcomings. They try to put others’ needs ahead of their own.

How does God view humility? As total surrender to Him and total reliance upon Him. His ways are best, and as we continue to deny ourselves, our will and desires, submitting to God and obeying His word and the purposes He has for us, and serving others in love, we will be walking in humility as Jesus did.

Philippians chapter two tells us what Jesus’ humility looks like, and tells us to have the same attitude as He had. His heart is tender, compassionate, loving and encouraging. We are not to be selfish or try to impress others, but take an interest in others and think of them as better than ourselves. 

Even though Jesus was God, He gave up His divine position to be born in human likeness. He humbled Himself in obedience to His Father, and was willing to give His life and die a criminal’s death for us. He tells us in Luke 9:23 that if we want to be His followers, we must give up our own ways, pick up our crosses daily, and follow Him.

Where else do we see the humility of Jesus? Jesus was born in a stable of a lowly teenage girl, not in royalty in a palace as you would expect a great king to be born. He was totally submitted and surrendered to God, and only did and said what He saw and heard His Father doing. He was obedient to the point of death.

When that time was nearing, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, signifying that He came in peace. If He had come as the conquering warrior king as many hoped, He would have ridden in on a mighty stallion.

Then at the Last Supper, the last Passover meal that Jesus celebrated with His disciples, Jesus poured water into a basin and washed the feet of His disciples. This was the job of the lowliest servant. Jesus did this as an example for us to follow to serve others.

The greatest act of humility Jesus did was choosing to die to Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane and say, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” And thus followed the great horror and torture He would have to endure to show His love for mankind. He willingly went to the cross and suffered crucifixion to open the way for our salvation and deliverance.

But thank God for resurrection power. Our Savior is alive, seated at the right hand of God. He has been given the name above all names – Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. As we follow His example to humble ourselves, we will be lifted up.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.