Lesson on Humility
Text: Mark 9:30-41 | February 16, 2020
In the previous passage, the disciples learned a crucial lesson on faith; in this passage, the disciples learn an important lesson on humility. Humility is not natural, but as Christians, we have a lifelong battle with pride. In our culture, pride is a virtue, but the Bible teaches the total opposite: humility is a virtue.
Like our culture today, the disciples grew up seeing examples of spiritual pride. The pharisees and religious elites prided themselves on their spirituality. Their displays of humility were just that, a display or an act (Matthew 23:5-12). Seeing that their entire lives probably influenced the way they viewed pride and humility. In Mark 9:34, we find the disciples arguing with one another regarding who was the greatest. Instead of Jesus ranking them and telling them who was the greatest, Jesus taught them a lesson on humility.
We are to be humble because pride creates disunity. Only the humble can truly love one another (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), because the prideful are indifferent toward others. As Christians, we must be unified in our love for Christ and in sharing the gospel. Jesus was the greatest in that group, yet He was the last and servant of all (9:35). He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:8). He is our example of humility. While we might think that the humble people are at the bottom, and only the prideful climb their way to the top (business executives, politicians, etc.), Jesus assures us that the humble will not lose their reward (9:41). Jesus humbled Himself and God highly exalted Him (Phil. 2:9).
Christ is our teacher and example of humility. Let us grow and become more like Him.
For the entirety of the lesson, please see the attached manuscript of the message.
Reflection:
Read Philippians 2:1-9. Take note of how humility produces unity among believers (2:2), how a humble person treats others (2:3-4), how Christ is our example of humility (2:5-8), and how Christ is highly exalted by God (2:9). In what way did Christ humble Himself?
Pride comes naturally, not humility. As we spend time in prayer, let us ask God to search our hearts so that we can confess our sins, including pride. Ask God to help us to live in such a way that is pleasing to Him, which includes being humble. May we look to Christ as our example. And give Him thanks for forgiving our sins.