The Humility and Servanthood of Jesus: A Path to True Greatness

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, humility and servanthood are not just virtues to be admired but are essential qualities that define the very nature of what it means to be a follower of God. Jesus, in His life and ministry, exemplified these traits and instructed His disciples to do the same, promising that such a path leads to true greatness and the pleasure of the Father. In the tapestry of Christian doctrine, the figure of Jesus stands as the epitome of divine love and humble service. His earthly ministry, as depicted in the Gospels, provides a profound narrative of selfless servitude—a model for humanity to emulate in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and the heavenly promise.

Humility: The Foundation of Servanthood

Humility is the foundation upon which servanthood is built. It is the ability to see oneself accurately, neither inflated.

Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

The Essence of Divine Love

At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the commandment to love. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This divine love is sacrificial, unconditional, and all-encompassing. It is a love that transcends human understanding and speaks to the very nature of God, as stated in 1 John 4:8-“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Jesus, the Humble Servant

Jesus’ life was a testament to humility. He, who was revered as the Messiah, chose not to exalt Himself but to serve others. Philippians 2:6-7- reflects this humility, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” His washing of the disciples’ feet John 13:1-17 is a symbolic act that underscores His commitment to servitude.

The Call to Follow

Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example. In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus articulates this call, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This passage invites believers to a life of service, suggesting that the path to greatness and ultimately to heaven is paved with humility and servitude.

Living the Doctrine

To live according to Jesus’ doctrine is to embody love and humility in every aspect of life. It means to prioritize the needs of others, to offer compassion and assistance, and to forsake the ego’s clamor for recognition and power. Galatians 5:13-14 exhorts, “Serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “Recognition and power. Galatians 5:13-14 exhorts, “Serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The Reward of Heaven

The promise of heaven is intertwined with the practice of Jesus’ teachings. It is not merely a destination but a state of being that begins in the here and now, through the daily acts of love and service.

As Jesus assures in Matthew 25:34-40, the Kingdom of Heaven awaits those who serve “the least of these,” for in serving them, they serve Christ Himself.

In Closing –

The humble servitude of Jesus is more than a historical account; it is a living invitation to walk a path of love, service, and humility. By following His example, believers open themselves to the transformative power of divine love, which leads to a life of fulfillment on earth and the eternal joy of heaven.

“ O Lord, our Shepherd and Guide, may we walk in the footsteps of Your Son, Embracing His love, His humility, His light. Teach us to serve as He served, to love as He loved, to carry our cross with the grace He bestowed. May our hearts be ever open, our hands ever ready, our spirits ever willing, to be Your instruments of peace and love. Lead us on the path to Your heavenly kingdom, where love reigns supreme, and servitude is the crown of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”