06/04/2025

GRACIOUS HUMILITY EXEMPLIFIED BY CHRIST

Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified practical, peculiar humility. He knew it was about time
to leave the world by the way of the cross. He should have been sorrowful and wondering
how to bear the pain. However, in spite of what was ahead of Him, He taught a lesson on
humility in a unique way. He had taught it by word of mouth; but now, He showed it by
washing the disciples’ feet. They wondered why He did this – something no master had ever
done to his servant. In response, Christ said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed
your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet”. Jesus did not do and say these
things only for us to memorise and teach others. He has given us the example to do as He
has done. He wants us to exemplify practical humility as He did. This is not superficial or
humanly generated humility. It is the humility that is obtained by the grace of God.

1. EXEMPLARY HUMILITY FROM THE HIGHEST PRINCE

Christ is the Prince of peace whom the Father has highly exalted. Yet He is exemplary in
humility. The composites of Christ’s humility include H – Highness laid aside (John 13:4;
Philippians 2:5-8). He laid aside His high position, authority, personality and equality with
God. We must also lay aside our high position (whether real or imagined). U – Uniqueness of
the Lord’s act (John 13:7; Matthew 20:27,28). The Master washing the disciples’ feet is
uncommon. We must ask the Lord to implant in us this nature of His, which is not pretended
or acted out. M – Meekness (2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 6:1). We should not go about as
if we are greater than all the brethren but stoop down and relate with the people of God in
meekness. I – Identification with servanthood (Luke 22:27). The Lord’s intention is to teach
us that we should never see any part of serving the body of Christ as below our dignity.
Rather, we should serve without grudge, complaint or compulsion.
L – Lowliness in loyal assistance (Matthew 11:29). As we help others, we must do it
with humility, which demands lowliness. We are not to exalt our skill, ability, knowledge or
name above the brethren. It is the heart of lowliness that produces the act of lowliness. I –
Impression without loud announcement (John 13:15). As we lend helping hands, give or serve,
we must do so without making a loud announcement about it. T – Tender teaching with
affection (Colossians 2:6). Jesus’ response to Peter’s refusal to be washed was tender. We
must also teach the brethren tenderly and without anger or force. Y – Yes to Christ, not
having another spirit (2 Corinthians 11:2-4). Doing the Lord’s bidding in order to be noticed
is having another spirit and a service that will not be rewarded. We must learn to say yes to
the Lord without having another spirit different from His.

2. EXPERIENTIAL HUMILITY WITH HEART PURITY

True followers of Christ must experience humility that originates from a pure heart. This
kind of humility cannot be achieved through human effort; rather, it requires an encounter
with God that transforms the heart. This experience brings about one, Heart cleansed from
hypocritical humility (Psalm 10:10,11). Some individuals display false humility to manipulate
others. But sincere heart purity purges us of hypocritical humility. Two, Unblemished with
pride and high-mindedness (Habakkuk 2:4; James 4:6,7). Christlike humility does not boast
about skill and achievement or demonstrate these for others to see because God resists the
proud but “giveth grace unto the humble”. Three, Moderation without high looks
(Philippians 4:5; Psalm 101:5). We must demonstrate moderation in all aspects of our lives,
without high looks or a sense of superiority. Everywhere and every time, our moderation
should “be known unto all men...” in the way we talk, dress and interact with others. Four,
Imperfections recognised, renounced and removed (Isaiah 6:5-7). Like Isaiah, we must
recognise and confess our imperfections, renounce them and ask God to remove them.
Five, Living under the Lord's control (Acts 9:6). Many Christians struggle with
submitting to God's control. However, true humility, founded on genuine salvation, requires
us to yield to His will and remain under His control like Paul did. Six, Indifference to the
praise of men (John 12:42,43). When Christ implants His kind of humility in us, we become
indifferent to “the praise of men” and seek to please God. Seven, Teachableness and
tenderness of heart (2 Chronicles 34:27; Job 34:32). The Lord wants us to be tender and
open to correction. Those whose hearts repel the word of God lack humility. Eight,
Youthfulness restored, renewed and retained (Jeremiah 2:2,3; Ecclesiastes 4:13). God wants
us to retain the eagerness and humility of our early days as believers.

3. EXPLICIT HUMILITY IN HEAVEN-BOUND PILGRIMS

Heaven-bound pilgrims must exemplify explicit humility like Christ. The Scripture is replete
with inspiring examples of individuals who demonstrated profound humility, serving as
powerful models for us to follow. They are H – Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-18). Despite being
misunderstood by Eli, the high priest, she humbly explained that she was pouring out her
heart to God. Her humility was eventually rewarded. U – Uriah (2 Samuel 11:8-14). Uriah's
humility is evident in his willingness to prioritise his duties over personal comfort. M - Moses
(Exodus 32:10-14; Numbers 12:3). When God vowed to destroy the children of Israel, Moses
pleaded with Him to pardon them, rejecting personal greatness for the sake of God's honour.
More so, he pled for Miriam’s healing from leprosy despite her speaking evil against him. I –
Isaac. Isaac obeyed his father, Abraham, even when faced with the prospect of being
sacrificed. He did not go about telling everyone how his father wanted to kill him. His silence
and cooperation demonstrate a profound humility that is worthy of our emulation.
L – Luke (Acts 21:12-15). Luke willingly “went up to Jerusalem” together with Paul
despite warning him against embarking on the journey. His humility teaches us the
importance of supporting others, even when we disagree with their decisions. I – Isaiah
(Isaiah 6:1-5). Rather than become proud, Isaiah recognised his shortcomings and
exclaimed, “Woe is me! for I am undone”. His experience reminds us of our need to
acknowledge our limitations before God. T – Theophilus (Luke 1:3,4; Acts 1:1-4). He
demonstrated remarkable humility in his willingness to receive counsel from Luke. He did
not complain about how busy he was due to his position. Although the books of Luke and
Acts were meant to be his personal property, he submitted them for the benefit of the Church
and future generations. Y – Young Timothy (1 Peter 5:5). Timothy submitted to Paul's
leadership and followed his instructions. His humility is a powerful reminder of the
importance of submitting to authority and learning from others. Whatever our knowledge or
exposure, we should be willing to submit to and work with others.

Congregational Songs
GHS 122, 254 & 258