Jesus often spoke about humility and putting others first. He taught us to take the lowest place at the table and reminded us that He came to serve, not to be served. Jesus didn’t just preach humility; He lived it in every way.
The book of Sirach tells us that the greater we become, the more we should humble ourselves. Jesus, the Word made flesh, fulfilled this scripture through His birth as a human being. He entered the world not as a powerful ruler but as a helpless baby. The all-powerful God chose to depend on others to feed Him, clean Him, and care for Him.
Jesus not only came into the world with humility but lived His entire life with it as well. He didn’t wear fine clothes, boast, or place Himself above others. He used His power only to reveal God’s love and strength. When Satan tempted Him in the desert with promises of unlimited power and pleasure, Jesus rebuked him and refused the selfish path Satan offered.
Jesus also died in humility. He had the power to avoid the cross, but He embraced it and allowed Himself to be mocked, beaten, and crucified. He endured suffering and humiliation for us. Because of His great humility, God exalted Him above all.
How often do we put others’ needs before our own? Do we chase what makes us comfortable, or do we make sacrifices to bring joy to others? Each choice we make with our time, talents, and treasure has the ability to either lift up ourselves or lift up those around us.
Putting others first doesn’t come easily. Our nature leans toward survival of the fittest, but our souls are created for love. We are made in God’s image, yet tainted by sin. The more we turn away from sin and surround ourselves with holiness, the more we reflect Jesus and His humility.
