“You show me a humble person, and I’ll show you a weak one.” Often we tend to think this way, but is a truly humble person really a pushover? Not if they’re following Jesus’ example! The apostle John wrote, “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God” (John 13:3). Now, this doesn’t sound like anyone who is unsure of Himself, does it? Nor does it sound like someone who is self-righteous, arrogant, or prideful. Jesus simply knew who He was and was appropriately confident in His identity. So…
“So,” John wrote, “He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him” (vv. 4-5). Knowing full well who He was, Jesus took the initiative to serve. This must have amazed the disciples. Peter asked, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” (v. 6). Jesus indicated to Peter that he could not now understand what He—Jesus—was doing, but he would know later, after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, and after the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost.
In setting this example for His followers, Jesus set the “tone” for the Christian life itself. Jesus said, “I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you” (v. 15). The example wasn’t an example in footwashing—but in humble service. The service can include footwashing, but it doesn’t have to, and in our culture it probably won’t. It does involve giving oneself for the benefit of others. And note how Jesus led His disciples as He served them. He used Peter’s response to His actions to teach Peter deep truths about the dynamics of a relationship with Him. And then He spoke to the entire group about humble service. Note that at this point Jesus demanded nothing in return but implicitly instructed the disciples to serve one another and others (see vv. 14-15). Surely the other disciples were as amazed as was Peter—except Judas, who was so consumed with his evil plan of betrayal that he wasn’t teachable at all.
The teachings on humility from Proverbs come to mind. Here are four statements about humility from the Old Testament book that is especially known for its emphasis on wisdom.
- “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom” ( 11:2). One thinks of the wisdom on display in Jesus, contrasted to the disgrace that soon would engulf Judas Iscariot (see vv. John 13:16-30; Matt. 27:3-10).
- “The fear of the LORD is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor” ( 15:33; see also Phil. 2:5-11).
- “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” ( 18:12). Jesus echoed these themes numerous times during His ministry.
- The result of humility is fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life” ( 22:4). True humility commands respect and is a sterling quality among great leaders.
These verses, along with Jesus’ example, affirm that people who are humble in the biblical sense aren’t weak. They’re leaders—and they attract the following of those perceptive enough to see they are wise and worthy to lead.
Copyright © 2016 B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this article are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.