Humility is one of the central virtues that Jesus taught throughout His ministry. In a world often driven by pride, competition, and self-promotion, the call to humility can seem counter-cultural and difficult to live out. However, Jesus demonstrated through His life and teachings that true greatness is found in humility. In this post, we will explore what humility truly means, why it’s essential for the Christian life, and how we can live out the humility of Jesus in our daily lives.
The Example of Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Humility
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Despite being the Son of God, He humbled Himself to serve others, to teach, and ultimately, to die on the cross for humanity’s sins. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul writes:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
This passage emphasizes that Jesus, though divine, chose to live humbly and sacrificially for the sake of others. His humility was not a sign of weakness but an expression of His love, obedience, and selflessness. By following Jesus’ example, we learn that true greatness is found not in exaltation but in service and self-giving.
What is Humility?
Humility is often misunderstood. It is not about thinking less of ourselves or denying our worth, but about thinking of ourselves less. Humility means having a proper understanding of who we are in relation to God and others. It involves being honest about our weaknesses and limitations while also recognizing our value as children of God. Humility frees us from the need to prove ourselves, compare ourselves to others, or elevate ourselves over others.
Jesus teaches us that humility is not about outward appearances or superficial acts of piety. It’s about the condition of our hearts. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus says, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Humility is an inward attitude that manifests in outward actions—serving others, forgiving, and seeking peace.
Humility in Relationships: Putting Others First
Humility is especially important in our relationships with others. Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves calls us to prioritize others’ needs above our own. This means being willing to serve, to listen, and to sacrifice for the sake of others. In Mark 9:35, Jesus says, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Humility in relationships means putting away pride and selfishness and choosing to love others selflessly. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, humility allows us to build deeper, more meaningful connections with others. It calls us to practice patience, kindness, and respect in all our interactions, making us more like Jesus.
Humility and Serving Others: Following Jesus’ Example
One of the clearest demonstrations of humility by Jesus is seen in His willingness to serve others. In John 13:3-5, Jesus, knowing that He was about to face the cross, humbled Himself by washing His disciples’ feet—an act of service typically reserved for the lowest servant. Afterward, He said to them:
“Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Jesus teaches us that true leadership and greatness come through serving others. In the world’s eyes, service is often seen as a lowly task, but in God’s eyes, it is a mark of greatness. Humility calls us to step outside of our own comfort zones and serve others, even in small, unnoticed ways.
Living with humility means offering our time, resources, and energy to help those in need, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear. When we serve others with humility, we reflect the heart of Jesus and invite His love into the lives of those we touch.
Humility in the Face of Challenges: Trusting God’s Plan
Humility also means recognizing our need for God in every aspect of life. In times of trial and suffering, it can be easy to become frustrated, angry, or discouraged. However, humility calls us to surrender our own plans and desires to God’s will, trusting that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
When we humble ourselves before God, we acknowledge that He is in control and that His plans are far greater than our own. Humility in suffering means trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when we don’t understand why we’re facing challenges. It is through this trust and surrender that we experience God’s peace and strength.
Humility in the Kingdom of God: Greatness Through Service
In the Kingdom of God, the world’s standards of greatness are turned upside down. Jesus teaches that those who seek to be great must be willing to serve others. In Matthew 20:26-28, He says, “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.”
Humility in the Kingdom of God is not about status or recognition—it is about serving with a heart full of love and devotion. The greatest among us are those who humble themselves and serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. In this way, humility leads to true greatness in God’s eyes.
Conclusion: Living Out Humility in Our Daily Lives
Humility is a foundational virtue in the Christian life. It is through humility that we reflect the character of Jesus, live in peace with others, and serve those in need. Humility is not about self-deprecation or low self-esteem—it is about putting others first, serving with love, and trusting in God’s wisdom and sovereignty.
As we seek to live out the humility of Jesus in our daily lives, we become more like Him. We learn to love more deeply, forgive more freely, and serve with joy. Through humility, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises and become instruments of His grace and love in the world.