Practically Applying Jesus' Example of Humility in Success
Practically Applying Jesus' Example of Humility in Success
Jesus' example of humility is a cornerstone of Christian teaching, demonstrated through his life and ministry. The biblical account highlights Jesus' humility in various aspects, such as his birth, subjection to his parents, and association with the despised [2]. Jesus himself declared, "I am meek and lowly in heart" (Mt 11:29) [1]. The apostle Paul further emphasizes Jesus' humility, noting that he "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" and "humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Php 2:7-8) [4].
The biblical basis for humility is rooted in Jesus' teachings and actions. He taught his disciples to be humble, using himself as an example (Mt 20:26-28; Lk 22:27) [1]. The Psalms also extol the virtues of humility, stating that God "will guide the humble in justice" and "teach the humble his way" (Ps 25:9) [3]. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, characterized by humility and a willingness to serve others (Php 2:5) [5].
Practically applying Jesus' example of humility in success involves cultivating a mindset that prioritizes service and humility. According to John Chrysostom, Jesus sets an example for believers to follow, demonstrating that true greatness is achieved through humility and service [4]. Matthew Henry notes that Jesus' teachings on humility are not limited to personal piety but also extend to social interactions, encouraging believers to engage in "profitable edifying discourse" with others (Lk 14:7) [6].
In the context of success, Jesus' example of humility serves as a countercultural paradigm. Rather than seeking to elevate oneself, believers are called to emulate Jesus' humility, recognizing that true honor comes from God (Pr 15:33; 18:12) [1]. As John Gill observes, Jesus' humility is a pattern for believers to follow, demonstrating that true greatness is achieved through self-emptying and service to others (Php 2:5) [5].
The early Christian tradition emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of believers. The Eastern Orthodox father John Chrysostom highlights Jesus' humility as a model for Christian living, while Protestant Reformers like John Calvin and Baptist theologians like John Gill also stress the significance of humility in Christian discipleship [4, 5].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
- Psalms “He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way. -- Psalms 25:9”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily VI. Philippians ii. 5–8 “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Our Lord Jesus Christ, when exhorting His disciples to great actions, places before them Himself, and the Father, and the Prophets, as examples; as when He”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you,.... The Arabic version renders it, "let that humility be perceived in you". The apostle proposes Christ as the great pattern and exemplar of humility; and instances in his assumption of human nature, and in his subjection to all that meanness, and death itself, even the death of the cross in it; and which he mentions with this view, to engage the saints to lowliness of mind, in imitation of him; to show forth the same temper and disposition of mind in their practice, which also was in Christ Jesus; or as the Syriac version, "think ye the”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 14:7: Our Lord Jesus here sets us an example of profitable edifying discourse at our tables, when we are in company with our friends. We find that when he had none but his disciples, who were his own family, with him at his table, his discourse with them was good, and to the use of edifying; and not only so, but when he was in company with strangers, nay, with enemies that watched him, he took occasion to reprove what he saw amiss in them, and to instruct them. Though the wicked were before him, he did not keep silence from good (as David did, Psa 39:1, Psa 39:2), for, no”