Let’s reflect on a profound and transformative aspect of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ—His humility. Humility is not merely a virtue among many; it is the very essence of Christ’s incarnation and His ministry on earth. In a world where pride and self-exaltation often dominate, Christ’s humility guides us towards a life that mirrors His own.
The Incarnation: The Ultimate Act of Humility. Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”
The incarnation is the greatest demonstration of humility. Jesus, who is fully God, chose to become fully human.
He left the splendour and glory of heaven to dwell among us in our brokenness. Christ’s willingness to relinquish His divine privileges and take on human flesh profoundly expresses His humility. The Life of Service: Humility in Action. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exemplified humility through His actions. He did not seek worldly power or acclaim. Instead, He served others selflessly. In John 13:4-5, we read about Jesus washing the feet of His disciples’ feet. This act was transformative. His life was a continuous outpouring of love and humility, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering forgiveness to sinners.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Humility unto Death. The crucifixion is the pinnacle of Christ’s humility. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, submitted to a brutal and humiliating death on the cross. His incarnation and atoning sacrifice and resurrection reconcile us with God and one another. This ultimate sacrifice culminated in a life of perfect humility and obedience to the Father’s will. Exaltation Through Humility. Christ’s humility led to His exaltation, underscoring a fundamental truth in the Christian faith: true honour and glory come through humility. By humbling Himself, Jesus was glorified by the Father, setting an example for us to follow. We are called to imitate His humility by serving others. True discipleship involves putting the needs of others before our own and seeking ways to uplift and support those around us.
This might mean offering a listening ear, volunteering our time, or performing acts of kindness without seeking recognition.