The Humility of the Incarnate Christ in Christian Theology

The humility of the incarnate Christ is a foundational concept in Christian thought, exemplified by his willingness to take on human nature and endure suffering for the sake of humanity ^{[1, 3, 6]}. This humility is not merely a virtue Christ possessed but an essential aspect of his saving work, serving as both an example for believers and a necessary component of God's redemptive plan ^{[2, 4, 5]}.

The biblical witness consistently portrays Christ's humility from his birth to his death. Philippians 2:5-8 is a key passage, urging believers to adopt the "mind" or "humility" that was in Christ Jesus ^[8]. This passage describes Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8 ESV). This "emptying" (κένωσις, kenosis) refers to Christ's voluntary self-abasement, not a divestment of his divine nature, but a willingness to set aside the prerogatives of his divine glory to assume human form ^[9].

The specific manifestations of Christ's humility are numerous throughout his earthly life:

Taking on human nature: Christ's incarnation itself is the primary act of humility, as he, being God, took on the limitations and weaknesses of humanity ^{[1, 6]}. As Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law" ^[3].
His birth and early life: His birth in humble circumstances, in a manger, and his subjection to his parents, Mary and Joseph, demonstrate his early humility ^{[1, 3]}. Luke 2:7 notes his birth, and Luke 2:51 records his obedience to his earthly parents ^[1].
His social standing and poverty: Christ lived a life of relative poverty and was associated with those considered despised by society ^[1]. He identified with ordinary people, including tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-11) ^[1]. He himself noted, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Luke 9:58) ^[1].
Partaking in human infirmities: Christ experienced human weaknesses and temptations, though without sin (Hebrews 4:15) ^[1]. He submitted to ordinances like baptism, even though he had no need of repentance (Matthew 3:13-15) ^[1].
Serving others: Christ explicitly taught and demonstrated servanthood, stating, "the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28) ^[1]. His washing of his disciples' feet (John 13:5) is a powerful illustration of this servant-hearted humility ^[1].
Refusing worldly honors: He consistently rejected attempts to make him a king by force (John 6:15) and did not seek glory from human beings (John 5:41) ^{[1, 10]}. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, further underscored his humble kingship (Matthew 21:5, 7) ^[1].
His suffering and death: The ultimate expression of Christ's humility is found in his passion and death on the cross ^[3]. He endured false accusations, mockery, and a brutal execution, submitting to the will of God even to the point of death (Luke 23; John 19; Mark 15:24-25) ^[3]. His burial in a borrowed tomb also reflects this profound humiliation (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-58, 60) ^[3].

Theologians have long emphasized the significance of Christ's humility. John Calvin, in his commentary on Philippians, highlights that Christ's humility involved "abasing himself from the highest pinnacle of glory to the lowest ignominy" ^[9]. This contrasts with human humility, which involves refraining from self-exaltation ^[9]. John Gill, commenting on Philippians 2:5, notes that the apostle proposes Christ as "the great pattern and exemplar of humility" ^[8]. Gill also connects Christ's humility to his "grace," emphasizing that "though he was rich" in his divine nature, he became poor for the sake of humanity (2 Corinthians 8:9) ^[13]. This act of grace, where Christ took on human nature, is described as the "incarnation" ^[6].

The humiliation of Christ was not accidental but necessary for several reasons: to fulfill God's redemptive purpose, to satisfy Old Testament prophecies and types, and to fulfill the requirements of the law on behalf of humanity ^[3]. His suffering and death were integral to his role as a substitute for the guilty (Isaiah 53) ^[3].

The humility of Christ serves as a model for believers ^{[4, 5]}. Paul appeals to the "humility and gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1) as a standard for conduct ^[7]. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to cultivate humility, seeing it as a "prominent Christian grace" (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 3:4) ^[2]. It is a state of mind that pleases God, brings tranquility, and enables patience in trials ^[2]. The Holy Spirit is understood to transcribe this humility into the hearts of regenerate persons, leading to a modest self-assessment and a humble walk with God and others ^[11]. Matthew Henry, in his commentary on Ephesians, links humility to unity and love among Christians, stating that "love is the law of Christ's kingdom" ^[12]. The example of Christ's humility is perfect and requires conformity in areas such as holiness, righteousness, purity, love, meekness, obedience, and self-denial ^[5].

The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as seen in the homilies of John Chrysostom, also emphasizes Christ's humility. Chrysostom notes that Christ did not seek honor for himself ^[10]. He also connects humility with the idea that honor is most truly possessed when it is not sought or even despised ^[10]. The humility of Christ, therefore, is not merely a moral lesson but a profound theological truth about the nature of God's self-giving love and the path to salvation.

Sources

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”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humiliation of Christ — (Phil. 2:8), seen in (1) his birth (Gal. 4:4; Luke 2:7; John 1:46; Heb. 2:9), (2) his circumstances, (3) his reputation (Isa. 53; Matt. 26:59, 67; Ps. 22:6; Matt. 26:68), (4) his soul (Ps. 22:1; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 22:44; Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15), (5) his death (Luke 23; John 19; Mark 15:24, 25), (6) and his burial (Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57, 58, 60). His humiliation was necessary (1) to execute the purpose of God (Acts 2:23, 24; Ps. 40:6-8), (2) fulfil the Old Testament types and prophecies, (3) satisfy the law in the room of the guilty (Isa. 53; Heb”
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: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Incarnation — That act of grace whereby Christ took our human nature into union with his Divine Person, became man. Christ is both God and man. Human attributes and actions are predicated of him, and he of whom they are predicated is God. A Divine Person was united to a human nature (Acts 20:28; Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 2:8; Heb. 2:11-14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Gal. 4:4, etc.). The union is hypostatical, i.e., is personal; the two natures are not mixed or confounded, and it is perpetual.”
II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:1 (LEB) — Now I, Paul, appeal to you myself by the humility and gentleness of Christ, who ⌞when I am present in person⌟ am humble among you, but when I am absent am bold toward you—”
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”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 11.2: wished that the reader should be in possession of the very form of expression which Paul has employed. 6 Inasmuch as he was in the form of God. This is not a comparison between things similar, but in the way of greater and less. Christ’s humility consisted in his abasing himself from the highest pinnacle of glory to the lowest ignominy: our humility consists in refraining from exalting ourselves by a false estimation. He gave up his right: all that is required of us is, that we do not assume to ourselves more than ”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: guide to truth, ib. ; could not come before the sacrifice of the Cross, ib. ; His office in Holy Baptism, 289 ; His dignity in prophecy, not contrary to Christ's, ib. ; awfulness of His gift in Ordination, 325 . Honesty, 122 . Honor to be sought of God, not men, 15 ; like wealth, most had when despised, ib. ; of men, shared with harlots and dancers, 136 ; the greatest, gained by almsgiving, 143 ; not taken by Christ for Himself, 198 . House-building extravagant, 203 ; moral deduced from, ib. "How?" the question of the weak in faith, as Sarah, 85 ; t”
Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”
Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 4:2: Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: - To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of h”
2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 8:9: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus,.... This is a new argument, and a very forcible one to engage to liberality, taken from the wonderful grace and love of Christ, displayed in his state of humiliation towards his people; which is well known to all them that have truly believed in Christ; of this they are not and cannot be ignorant, his love, good will, and favour are so manifest; there are such glaring proofs of it in his incarnation, sufferings, and death, that leave no room for any to doubt of it: that though he was rich; in the perfections of his divi”

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