Introduction

Good morning, Church Family! It's a joy to gather with you all today as we delve into the teachings of Jesus on humility.

You know, the Christian writer Andrew Murray once said, "Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you." That's a powerful statement, isn't it? It underlines the importance of humility in our walk with Christ.

Let's open up our Bibles to Matthew 23:1-12, where the importance of humility is echoed by Jesus Himself.

The Power of Humility

Humility is a virtue that is often misunderstood and undervalued in our society. We live in a world that celebrates self-promotion, where success is often measured by how much we can accumulate or achieve. Yet, Jesus presents a radically different perspective. He teaches that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others; not in exalting ourselves, but in humbling ourselves.

Its ability to transform our relationships with God and with others: When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We recognize that every good thing we have comes from Him, and we give Him the glory that is rightfully His. This posture of humility draws us closer to God, as James 4:8 promises, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

Changes the way we relate to others: It moves us to consider others better than ourselves, to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others, as Philippians 2:3-4 instructs. This kind of humility fosters unity and love in our relationships, as we seek to serve rather than be served.

Jesus modeled this humility perfectly: Despite being God Himself, He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Contrasts the humility He calls us to with the pride of the Pharisees: The Pharisees loved the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues. They loved to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. But Jesus warns against this kind of pride. He says, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength: It takes courage to admit our need for God, to put others before ourselves, to serve rather than be served. But when we do, we find that humility is not a burden but a blessing. It frees us from the need to prove ourselves, to compete with others, to strive for the approval of the world. It allows us to rest in God's love and grace, to find our worth in Him rather than in our achievements or possessions.

Opens the door for God to work in and through us: As Proverbs 3:34 reminds us, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble." When we humble ourselves, we position ourselves to receive God's grace, His unmerited favor. We make room for Him to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).

The Teachings of Jesus on Humility

The teachings of Jesus on humility are profound and counter-cultural, especially in a world that often values self-promotion and personal achievement ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO