Topical Bible: Jesus Being Humble

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The humility of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, exemplifying the character and mission of the Messiah. His life and teachings consistently reflect a profound humility, which serves as a model for believers.

Incarnation and Birth
The humility of Jesus is first evident in the Incarnation. Philippians 2:6-7 states, "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." Jesus, though fully divine, chose to take on human flesh and be born in the most humble of circumstances—a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2:7). This act of becoming human is the ultimate expression of humility, as the Creator entered His creation in the most unassuming way.

Life and Ministry
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated humility. He associated with the lowly and marginalized, including tax collectors, sinners, and the poor (Matthew 9:10-13). Jesus taught His disciples to embrace humility, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 : "Instead, 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."

Washing the Disciples' Feet
One of the most poignant demonstrations of Jesus' humility is found in John 13:1-17, where He washes the feet of His disciples. This act, typically performed by the lowest servant, was a powerful lesson in servanthood and humility. Jesus explained in John 13:14-15 , "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you."

Teachings on Humility
Jesus' teachings frequently emphasized humility. In the Beatitudes, He declared, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). He also taught the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), illustrating that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus consistently warned against pride and self-exaltation, urging His followers to adopt a posture of humility before God and others.

Passion and Crucifixion
The ultimate act of humility is seen in Jesus' willingness to suffer and die on the cross. Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' submission to the Father's will, even unto death, exemplifies the depth of His humility and love for humanity.

Resurrection and Exaltation
While Jesus' humility is most evident in His earthly life and sacrificial death, it is also linked to His exaltation. Philippians 2:9-11 continues, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Jesus' humility is not only a model for believers but also a pathway to His ultimate glorification.

In summary, the humility of Jesus is a profound and pervasive aspect of His life and ministry. It is a defining characteristic that believers are called to emulate, reflecting the heart of the Gospel and the nature of the Kingdom of God.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 13:58
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
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Library

Who was the Little Child Called by Jesus.
... there are many who are willing to humble themselves as ... to receive one such little
child in the name of Jesus. ... be made to stumble: to avenge whose being made to ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 who was the little.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John ii. 2, "And Jesus Also was Bidden ...
... words of the Gospel, John 2:2, "and Jesus also was ... The Lord Christ therefore vouchsafed
to humble Himself in all ... Son comes to the marriage; who being with the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiii on the words.htm

The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet.
... forth from God, and goeth unto God [Being about to ... Jesus did not institute feet-washing;
he found it already ... way of showing the proper spirit of humble service ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxviii the paschal meal jesus.htm

Job's Question, Jesus' Answer
... of the victory won for all believers by Jesus. ... being the 'Life' necessarily involved
His being also the ... the spirit which believes but its humble companion, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jobs question jesus answer.htm

In the Name of Jesus Christ Our Crucified Saviour
... TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN. ... As the holy Apostles, being filled
with the Spirit of God ... Another, the most humble Brother Bernard, through the ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter i in the name.htm

John Chapter i. 19-33
... Because the Lord Jesus Christ wished in him to prefigure His own advent, and ... whom
ye know not." For, very truly, He was not seen, being humble, and therefore ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iv john chapter i.htm

The Temptation
... It sets forth humble reliance on God's sustaining will as ... locality, the desert and
the mountain being near each ... God having been spoken by Jesus, Luke's third ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the temptation.htm

Peter Alone with Jesus
... connected with this, but yet capable of being treated separately ... the fact of the
interview, is that Jesus Christ is ... him also that is of a humble and contrite ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/peter alone with jesus.htm

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
... The youthful village maiden, amid her humble daily duties, shows a ... unbegotten"that
is, in the sense of being created]: wherefore ... the body of Jesus"Hebrews 7 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vi annunciation of the birth.htm

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... 4. All in the kingdom, even the humble, have a ... the supper, etc."represents the Jews
as being invited and ... It was John and Jesus who preached repentance, but ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm