As we continue our series on Learning and Leaning on Jesus, this week we consider the virtue of humility. In Matthew 11:29, the Lord Jesus calls us not only to follow Him, but to learn from His character, saying, ”Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart …” Two virtues stand out clearly in this invitation: gentleness and humility. Jesus’ humility was exemplary, and one of the most powerful demonstrations of it is recorded in John 13. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus rose from supper, wrapped a towel around Himself, and began washing His disciples’ feet (vs.4-5). In Jewish culture, this was the task of the lowest servant in the household. Yet the King of kings knelt before His disciples and served them. As Jesus later taught, “he who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11), because great leadership is revealed through a willingness to die to self in order to serve others. What makes this act even more profound is that Jesus knew exactly what was about to happen. Scripture tells us that the devil had already put it into Judas’ heart to betray Him (vs.2), yet Jesus still washed Judas’ feet. He loved them all “to the end,” serving even the one who would soon hand Him over to be killed. This reveals the heart of Christ: love that is not dictated by human behavior but is fully aligned with the will of God. Jesus gave His life for humanity not because they deserved it, but because it was the Fathers will. True humility, therefore, is not weakness; it is the strength to align ourselves with God’s purpose regardless of the circumstances. Like Jesus, our love and service should extend even to those who seem undeserving.
Believers are called to daily walk in the same humility that Jesus modeled. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Apostle Paul exhorts us, saying, “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” This requires a sober view of ourselves – not thinking too highly of ourselves nor lowering ourselves beneath what God says about us (Romans 12:3). Walking in humility and meekness calls for a continual renewing of our minds, laying aside our own thoughts and embracing the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Acts 20:19). As we grow in these virtues, they begin shaping our character, empowering us to practice patience, forbearance, and love within the body of Christ (Hebrews 13:1). Indeed, these virtues reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which we must intentionally allow to find full expression in us.
Scripture also provides a powerful example of humility in the life of Moses. In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, questioning his spiritual authority (vs.1-2). Their familiarity led them to challenge the man God had appointed, saying, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” (vs.2a). Yet Scripture simply records that “the Lord heard it” (vs.2b). Moses did not defend himself – God did. The Lord rebuked Miriam and Aaron, explaining that while He spoke to other prophets through visions and dreams (vs.6), with Moses He spoke ”face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings” (vs.8a). Moses, whom Scripture describes as “very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth” (vs.3), did not argue his case or seek revenge. Instead, he allowed God to vindicate him, because true humility often involves restraint and a willingness to allow God to defend us rather than striving to prove ourselves right. So the Lord asked Miriam and Aaron, “Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” (v.8b). Scripture tells us that ”the anger of the Lord was aroused against them” (vs.9), and when He departed, “suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow” (vs.10). Although Moses interceded for her healing (vs.13), God required that she remain outside the camp for seven days before being restored. Saints, this account reminds us that when we exalt ourselves or speak carelessly against others – especially those that God has appointed – we step into dangerous territory. That is why the Bible warns, “touch not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm” (1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalms 105:15). Miriam was not immediately healed, but gradually restored so she could learn the necessary lesson, because when we refuse to humble ourselves willingly, circumstances will humble us. The Bible is clear: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5), and “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). So, church, let us choose alignment with God over self-promotion. As we continue learning from Jesus, may we grow in the same humility that defined His life, positioning ourselves to receive God’s grace and lift in due time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to be humble and gentle in heart. Help us to serve others with love and to follow the example of Jesus in all things. Transform our thoughts and actions, so that our lives may bear lasting fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
