Jesus was humble | Devotions by Chris Hendrix

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April 20, 2023 · 5:30 AM

The Promise Of Humility

Unless you’ve been to Israel, you may not know that Bethlehem is only about 6 miles south of the Old City in Jerusalem. It’s currently situated in the West Bank of Palestine and has been in existence for about 3,400 years. We know it mainly as the place of Jesus’ birth, but so much more in the Bible happened here. It is where Naomi returned with Ruth. It’s where Ruth worked in Boaz’ field until they were married. The had a son named Obed. He had a son named Jesse. Jesse’s youngest son David became the most famous king of Israel. The name of the city translates, “House of Bread”.

I find it amazing that God did so many things in this town generations beforehand to ensure that this would be the place Jesus would be born. If you think about it, Bethlehem is a story of how God exalts the humble. David wasn’t even considered by his dad as a possible candidate to be king. He was an humble shepherd. It was also the humble shepherds who were first given the news that the Messiah had been born. Even the manger was an humble place to house the King of Kings. There’s a pattern there that you and I can’t afford to miss. Humility preceded the favor of God.

In Luke 14:11 Jesus was teaching about humility when He said, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (NLT). Humility is a mindset of understanding our position as the created being who is nothing without the Creator. That knowledge should keep us hungry to have a deeper relationship with Him. It should cause us to obey whatever God asks of us knowing He will equip us and partner us with those who will help us fulfill His will for our lives and further His kingdom. Great men and women don’t just have humble beginnings, they find a way to stay humble even in success.

Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

Clothed With Humility

I’ve stayed in some of the nicest hotels you can stay in. There was one hotel where I don’t think I ever touched a door. The workers opened them every time. Being treated like royalty makes us feel good. Having people wait on you constantly can also spoil you. Have you ever been anywhere where you were treated like royalty, where everything was done for you? There’s something in our human nature that craves that kind of attention. What it doesn’t crave is being on the other side of that scenario. Being the person who does all the menial tasks for another person can be bothersome. Some of the lowest paid jobs in the world are doing what a person doesn’t want to do. Why wait on yourself or others when you can pay someone to do it? Our “wait on me” attitude is opposite of what Jesus taught us to do though.

On the night of the Last Supper in John13, the disciples were in the mindset that Jesus was about to free Israel from Rome and be set up as king. Just a few days earlier He had ridden into Jerusalem on a colt fulfilling Scripture that their king would come riding on one. They were all in good spirits as the night began, but someone forgot to hire a person to wash everyone’s feet. It was shocking to them when the Messiah and King got up from the table, put on a towel like an apron and started doing the task of the lowliest job. Peter objected profusely, but Jesus lovingly corrected him. He asked them if they understood as He affirmed their belief in Him as Messiah and King. Then in verse 15 said, “For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did to you” (AMP).

That moment resonated with Peter. Years later he wrote in 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.” All of us should put on the apron on humility and serve other as Jesus did regardless of our station in life. Look around you. I’m sure there are people who need you to swallow some pride and serve. God calls us to both be humble and to serve others. Jesus gave us the example we must follow. The apron of humility makes us Christlike. Serving others opens up God’s grace into our lives. Quit looking to be served and find ways you can serve.

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