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THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST
Introduction
During this Lenten and Easter season it seemed good to study the humility of Christ. Our primary text for this study will be Isaiah 53. Isaiah 53 gives us a framework if you will, for understanding the various facets of humility. We begin our study with examining the definitions of humility and related words.
Webster's defines humility as the quality or state of being humble. Humble is defined as the absence of vanity and arrogance, wrath or vindictiveness. That is, one who has humility is not proud, haughty, or arrogant. They especially express deference or submission.
Personal Reflection
What does humility mean to you? What is the difference between being humble and being humiliated? Christ expressed the epitome of humbleness when He was humiliated.
Meditation and Memory Verse
(Take 15 minutes or more and pray about this prophesy of Jesus. Read it over several times. Repeat it out loud to yourself. Let your eyes gaze upon this verse. As you do so, ask God to give you greater understanding that you might know Him better. Finally, read, write and repeat the verse to help you retain it in your heart and mind.)
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Isaiah 53:2b-3a
Bible Study
Read Isaiah 53:1-3 and Matthew 23:27, 34, 37. Who is Isaiah referring to in verse 1 when He says who has believed our message? To whom has the message of the Lord been revealed?
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Read Mark 6:1-4. The people in Jesus' hometown and synagogue seemed to be objecting to Him? What are their objections? Why are they amazed? How does this help you to understand what Isaiah means in verse 2 where he talks about Jesus growing up like a root out of dry ground with nothing to attract us to Him?
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Read Matthew 8:20. What does this verse tell you about what is/is not important to Jesus. How does this attitude demonstrate humility?
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Based on these passages from Isaiah, Matthew and Mark, give at least two examples of the humility of Christ. Give at least two examples of the lack of humility that was demonstrated by the Jews in Nazareth. If you need help review the definition above on humility.
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How did Jesus respond to His being rejected by His fellow Nazarenes?
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If anyone deserved to be accepted and honored, it was Jesus. Isaiah and Mark tell us that Jesus was rejected and that nothing about His outward appearance was attractive, yet Christ maintained an attitude of humility. There are many people who have deep, deep wounds from being rejected. Read what Psalm 27:10 says about rejection.
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Summarize your thoughts on what humility is from the passages studied above.
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Personal Application
In what ways and by whom do you expect to be recognized?
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Who do you recognize, accept and reach out to? Who do you avoid? Why?
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Think about your favorite things. How would you feel if you lost them? What kind of things (relationships, possessions, appearances) do you place your confidence/self-worth in?
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How did you believe the Lord is speaking to you through these scriptures?
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What adjustment is He asking you to make in your life with regard to humility?
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Take these things to God in prayer
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Copyright © 2002 Alan and Jean LeStourgeon
