How can we demonstrate humility as Jesus did in Matthew 21:5? Setting the Scene of Matthew 21:5 “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.’” (Matthew 21:5) Jesus, the promised King, chooses the lowliest mount imaginable for His triumphal entry, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 word for word. His humility is not a momentary gesture but the overflow of His eternal character. Recognizing the Character of Christ’s Humility • Royal authority married to meekness (Philippians 2:5-8) • Voluntary lowliness, not forced humiliation (John 10:18) • Obedience to the Father’s written word (Hebrews 10:7) • Nearness to ordinary people—no pomp, no entourage (Matthew 11:29) Why Humility Matters for Believers • It aligns us with the mindset of Christ (Philippians 2:5) • God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) • True greatness in the kingdom flows through servanthood (Mark 10:43-45) • Humility preserves unity in the body (Ephesians 4:1-3) Practical Ways to Demonstrate Christlike Humility • Embrace the authority of Scripture even when it counters personal preference • Choose service over spotlight—wash feet rather than seek thrones (John 13:3-5) • Opt for simplicity when status symbols beckon • Listen first, speak second (Proverbs 18:13) • Yield personal “rights” for others’ good (1 Corinthians 9:19) • Offer prompt apologies and seek forgiveness when wrong (Colossians 3:13) • Celebrate others’ successes without envy (Romans 12:15) • Practice secret generosity—let God reward, not applause (Matthew 6:1-4) Humility in Worship and Ministry • Enter gatherings to honor Christ, not to showcase talent (Colossians 3:17) • Serve behind the scenes as gladly as on the platform • Keep short accounts with God—confession maintains softness of heart (1 John 1:9) • Remember the tax collector who “went home justified” (Luke 18:14) Disciplines That Nurture Humility • Daily Scripture intake—seeing God’s grandeur shrinks pride (Psalm 119:18) • Consistent prayer—dependency acknowledged dethrones self (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Regular fasting—subdues fleshly assertiveness (Matthew 6:16-18) • Honest fellowship—invite others to speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:17) Encouragement for the Journey Our King rode a donkey so we could walk in His steps. Each intentional act of lowliness reflects His glory, advances His kingdom, and honors the God who “raises up the humble” (1 Peter 5:6). |
    |