Philippians 2:3-8: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Jesus’ humility is remarkable. God the Son has always existed as deity (John 1:1). Yet, His humility led Him to take on the form of a man.
While Jesus was on earth, He allowed Himself to often live in unpleasant circumstances (Luke 9:58). He suffered continuous persecution (cf. Matt. 12:14; Luke 4:28-29; John 11:53) from people who constantly rejected Him (John 6:66) and made false accusations against Him (Mark 3:22; John 10:31-33).
He endured excruciating physical pain at the time of His crucifixion. If that were not enough, He was spat upon and mocked (Matt. 27:29-31). The fact that Jesus did not retaliate or seek revenge against those who mistreated Him took remarkable humility (1 Pet. 2:23).
The inspired apostle said “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Following Jesus requires one to be full of humility.
One area we must have humility that did not apply to Jesus is in acknowledging that we have done wrong and are therefore doomed to Hell without God’s grace (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).
It also takes humility to realize that God knows what is best for our lives, and to allow Him to direct us (Jer. 10:23).
It takes humility to choose to serve rather than seeking to be served.
This humility is what true greatness is about (Matt. 23:11-12). The call to be a Christian is not a call to be esteemed highly in the eyes of men. It is a call to be esteemed highly in the eyes of God.
The only begotten Son of God showed humility. If the Savior of the world was able to humble Himself to accomplish the will of the Father and help others, we can do likewise.
A question for each of us to ask ourselves is: am I humble like the Lord?
– Michael Hickox