Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Meekness and Exaltation Contrasted

What does Christ say of those who exalt themselves? BR-ASI9 397.14

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14:11. BR-ASI9 397.15

Note.—The spirit of self-exaltation is of Satan. (See Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:17.) Christ humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation, and became obedient even to the death on the cross. (See Philippians 2:5-8.) BR-ASI9 397.16

By what means did Jesus illustrate true humility? BR-ASI9 398.1

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, . . . Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4. BR-ASI9 398.2

Note.—Humility is “freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth.” It implies a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness, and consists in rating our claims low, in being willing to waive our rights, and to take a lower place than might be our due. It does not require that we underrate ourselves or our lifework. The humility of Christ was perfect, yet He had a true sense of the importance of His life and mission. BR-ASI9 398.3

“Humility is like a tree, whose root, when it sets deepest in the earth, rises higher, and spreads fairer, and stands surer, and lasts longer, and every step of its descent is like a rib of iron.”—Bishop Taylor. BR-ASI9 399.1