Christ Exemplified ... Humility
November 1, 2002 - "I am gentle and humble in heart."(1) Matthew 11:29, NIV
by John Ed Mathison
Jesus always invited people to a new dimension of living. In Matthew 11:29, He invites us to unload our weariness and heavy burdens on Him because He is gentle and humble in heart. It is in His humility that we can find genuine rest and rejuvenation.
The entire life and ministry of Jesus was one of humility. His birth had the humble setting of a stable. No one had expected God to humble Himself and enter the human arena as a Baby. A thousand times babies have become kings, but only once has a King become a Baby!
Jesus exemplified humility. He never chose His own comfort or His own convenience; rather, He looked for ways to serve. Toward the end of His earthly ministry, He called the apostles together for what was to become the Last Supper. The apostles argued about who would be the most important—they were looking for "the top." Instead of dealing with the arguments, Jesus took a towel and washed their feet.(2) They could hardly comprehend this act of humility, but the lesson is clear: The abundant life focuses on the towel, not on the top.
The Church is the Body of Christ, and as members of Christ's Body, we are called to serve in humility. Sometimes people in the church do things to get recognition for themselves and to see their names in print. But the Bible says that the greatest rewards will be given to those who humbly serve, without receiving recognition.(3)
Many people misunderstand the purpose of churches. People visit and evaluate a church from the perspective of what that church has to offer. But we experience the abundant life when we exercise our gifts through humble service to God. We don't go to church with a bib, waiting to be fed; rather, we go with an apron, ready to serve.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the humility of Jesus and wrote that Jesus should be our example in humility.(4) We find the greatest joy, peace and purpose when we humbly do as Jesus did.
PRIVACY
