Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness

JESUS IS HUMBLE

What is humility? In this proud world, some may think that humility  suggest weakness or lack of confidence. Often, though, just the opposite is true. Showing humility calls for strength and courage. Humility has been defined as  "the attitude opposite of pride and arrogance."  In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the word translated  "humility" may be rendered  "lowliness of mind." (Philippians 2:3) Humility begins with the way we think about ourselves.  "Humility is to know how lowly  we really are before God, we will also refrain from estimating ourselves to be above our fellow humans. (Romans 12:3) It is not easy for imperfect humans to cultivate humility. But we can learn to be humble if we reflect on our standing before God and follow in the footsteps of his Son. 

How did Jesus demonstrate humility?  God's Son has a long record of humility, showing it both as a powerful spirit creature in heaven and as  a perfect man on earth. Consider a few examples.

His attitude.  The Bible writer Jude recorded an example from Jesus' prehuman existence.  (Read Jude 9) As Michael the archangel, Jesus  "had a difference with the Devil" and "was disputing" with the wicked one.  The  issue involve "Moses' body." Recall that after Moses died, Jehovah buried the body in an unknown location.   (Deuteronomy 34:5, 6) Perhaps the Devil wanted to use Moses'  remains to promote false worship. Whatever evil purposed the Devil had in mind, Michael took  a courageous stand. One reference work notes that the Greek terms rendered  "had a difference" and "disputing" are "also used in relation to a legal dispute" and may suggest "that Michael 'challenged the Devil's right' to take Moses' body."  Yet, the Chief Angel recognized that it was not his place to bring judgment.Rather, he referred the case to the Supreme Judge, Jehovah. Michael thus refrained from overstepping his authority, even under provocation.  What a humble attitude!

During his earthly ministry, Jesus spoke and acted in ways that revealed genuine humility.  His speech. He never called undue attention to himself. Instead, he directed all glory to his Father.  (Mark 10:17, 18; John 7:16)  He never talked down to his disciples or made them feel inferior. Rather, he dignified them, praising them for the good he saw in them and expressing his confidence in them.  (Luke 22:31, 32; John 1:47) His actions.  Jesus chose to live in humble circumstances unencumbered by many material things.  (Matthew 8:20) He willing performed the most menial of tasks.  (John 13:3-15) He outstandingly  showed humility  by his obedience.  (Read Philippians 2:5-8) Unlike arrogant individuals who disdain obedience, Jesus humbly submitted to God's will for him, becoming  "obedient to the point of death." Is it not clear that Jesus, the Son of man, was "lowly in heart"? -Matthew 11:29. 

Next time: Imitate Jesus'  Humility and Tenderness -IMITATE JESUS' HUMILITY

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015