(a) With reference to Paul's epistle to the Philippians, explain how Jesus demonstrated humility [11 marks] (b) Mention two ways one can exhibit this virtue...

Answer Details

(a) How Jesus demonstrated humility, from Paul's epistle to the Philippians (Philippians 2:5-11)

Paul urged the Philippians to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, and then described how Jesus demonstrated perfect humility:

• Though He existed in the form of God and was equal with God, He did not count that equality with God as a thing to be grasped or clung to for His own advantage.
• Instead He emptied Himself, laying aside His divine glory and taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
• Being found in human form, He further humbled Himself by becoming obedient, submitting fully to the will of God.
• His obedience went to the uttermost, even to death, and not an ordinary death but the shameful death on a cross.

Because of this humble self-abasement, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Thus Jesus showed that the path to true exaltation is through humble obedience and self-giving.

(b) Two ways one can exhibit this virtue

• By putting the interests and needs of others before one's own and serving others without seeking personal glory.
• By being obedient and submissive to God's will, and by accepting lowly positions or suffering when necessary without pride.