Who is Jesus? #143

Ten Things You Must Know About Jesus

His Humility

If Jesus wanted to ride the wave of prestige and preeminence to sit on the throne of a king in Jerusalem, He sure could have done it. That was what was in the minds of most of the people at that time. Herod thought Jesus was going to usurp his little throne which is why he attempted murder. Imagine that. If Jesus was interested in a large following of people who would be subservient to Him, it was there for the taking.

We do need to remember that He left a position that was on an equality with God and came to this earth, so I am not sure how a throne on earth could compare to what He left and what He had waiting for Him (sitting at the right hand of God) when He returned to the Father.

Ephesians 2:6-8

         Who, being in very nature God, did not consider
         equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but
         made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a
         servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being
         found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
         and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!

Peter has the opportunity to drive home to Cornelius and his family who Jesus is. He doesn’t talk about all of the crowds that He attracted. He doesn’t list all of the miracles that Jesus performed. Here is Peter’s first description of Jesus in Acts 10:38.

         ...how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
        Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good
        and healing all who were under the power of the devil,
        because God was with him.

I am not sure how many heads of state have taken the time to roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty where people are. There have been a few. Perhaps Jesus’ own statement about His purpose brings the message home in Mark 10:45.

        ...even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but
        to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Don’t even think about equating humility with weakness. A demonstration of humility is the sign of greatest strength. Jesus’ humility was an expression of who He was.

The same is true for us. In order to advance the Kingdom, I do not need to advance myself. There is an item in my spiritual closet that I need to be sure and put on every day. It‘s hanging there with a lot of other good stuff. Paul says it this way in Colossians 3:12.

        Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
        clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
        gentleness and patience.