Topical Bible: Character of Christ: Lowly in Heart

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The character of Christ as "lowly in heart" is a profound aspect of His nature, reflecting His humility, gentleness, and willingness to serve. This characteristic is explicitly mentioned in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus invites His followers, saying, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . This invitation not only reveals His gentle nature but also serves as a model for believers to emulate.

The lowliness of Christ is evident throughout His earthly ministry. Despite being the Son of God, He chose to be born in a humble manger (Luke 2:7) and lived a life devoid of earthly riches and status. Philippians 2:6-8 underscores this humility: "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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This passage highlights the extent of Christ's humility, as He willingly set aside His divine privileges to serve humanity and offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin.

Christ's lowliness is also demonstrated in His interactions with others. He consistently associated with those whom society deemed lowly or outcast, such as tax collectors, sinners, and the poor. In Mark 2:16-17, when questioned by the Pharisees about His choice of companions, Jesus responded, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" . His willingness to engage with and uplift the marginalized reflects His heart of humility and compassion.

Moreover, Jesus taught His disciples the importance of humility through His actions and words. In John 13:14-15, after washing the feet of His disciples, He instructed them, "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" . This act of service, typically performed by the lowest of servants, exemplified His lowly heart and set a standard for His followers to serve one another selflessly.

The lowliness of Christ is not merely an attribute but a central theme of His mission and message. In Matthew 5:3, He begins the Beatitudes with, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" , emphasizing the value of humility in the kingdom of God. His teachings consistently elevate the humble and contrite heart, aligning with His own character.

In summary, the lowly heart of Christ is a testament to His divine humility and love for humanity. It is a call for believers to adopt a similar posture of humility, service, and love, following the example set by their Savior.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Meek and Lowly One
... Having thus spoken on the two marks of our Lord's character, I propose ... The conclusion
of the whole matter is this, since Christ is "meek and lowly in heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... in themselves of a painful and humbling character, but joyful ... in the text, under
the word "lowly in heart ... on their shoulders the yoke of Christ;"thirdly, "the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

The Invitation
... Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness ... Me," says Jesus;
"for I am meek and lowly in heart ... We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 34 the invitation.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will ... follow in His steps, reflect
His character, and purify ... and self-assertive become meek and lowly in heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart ... it is not in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
but in ... uninspired man, can ever worthily reproduce the character of Jesus ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord (Continued)
... "Take my yoke upon you, and lean of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart ... The praying
of Christ, then, is not to be separated from the character of Christ. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ix prayer incidents in the.htm

The Temper of Christ
... upon us, for he is meek and lowly of heart. ... your path through life smoother, your
character higher and ... one common Father, and brothers of Jesus Christ your Lord ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxii the temper of.htm

Christ's Humility Our Salvation.
... Christ, that which is the very heart of His character, remains unknown ... humble One,
the Lamb of God, the meek, the lowly and gentle ... Dear friends, Christ is yours ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/vii christs humility our salvation.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... "For I am meek and lowly in heart." The character of Christ qualifies him to be
the world's Savior, and there is something in his character, when properly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

The Heart of the Gospel
... and so destroy the honour of his own character; but he ... of life, that gate is the
open side of Christ; why will ... and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the heart of the gospel.htm