What can we learn about humility from the crowd's reaction in Luke 13:17? Setting the Scene “When He said this, all His adversaries were humiliated, and the entire crowd rejoiced at all the glorious things done by Him.” — Luke 13:17 The Crowd’s Two-Fold Reaction • Opponents are “humiliated” (their pride exposed) • Ordinary people “rejoiced” over “glorious things” Jesus had done Lessons on Humility • Celebrate God’s work, not our own – The crowd’s joy centers on “the glorious things done by Him,” reminding us that humility shifts the spotlight to the Lord’s achievements (Psalm 115:1). • Let truth humble, not harden, us – Religious leaders felt humiliation yet clung to pride; the humble heart allows correction to produce praise (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Humility grows through gratitude – Rejoicing in Christ’s deeds cultivates a thankful spirit, guarding against self-importance (Colossians 3:15-17). • Humility aligns us with God’s favor – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6 – The crowd’s delight mirrors the promise that those who humble themselves are lifted up (Luke 18:14). Applying This Humility Today • Give open credit to the Lord whenever good happens in your life or church. • Choose rejoicing over resentment when God works through someone else. • Welcome conviction as an invitation to change rather than a threat to reputation. • Foster a community culture that praises God’s victories more than personal accomplishments. Additional Scriptures that Echo the Lesson • 1 Peter 5:5 — “…cloth yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” • Luke 1:46-49 — Mary magnifies the Lord for what He has done, modeling joyful humility. • Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Humility, then, is joyfully acknowledging God’s greatness, accepting His correction, and choosing gratitude over self-glory—just like the crowd who rejoiced while the proud were left red-faced. |
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