“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
One recurring theme stands out throughout the Bible: the power of humility. The definition of humility is a virtue characterized by a modest and unpretentious attitude. Humility is deeply embedded in the sacred texts of God’s Word.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible has many stories about humility and how it shapes the destinies of those who embrace its profound lessons.
Here are 15 important lessons found in Bible stories that highlight the importance of humility, along with their corresponding Biblical references:
The Story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Come to God in prayer with a humble heart (Luke 18:9–14)
Jesus taught about humility through this parable, emphasizing the tax collector’s humble and honest prayer.
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, found in the book of Luke in the New Testament, stands as one of the greatest examples of humility in the Bible. It vividly illustrates what the Bible says about humility.
In this story, the Pharisee, a devout and self-righteous man, proudly boasts of his righteous deeds in prayer, while the tax collector, a despised sinner, humbly beats his chest and pleads for God’s mercy.
Jesus uses this powerful narrative to emphasize that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, leaves justified before God.
This parable teaches us that true humility involves recognizing our faults and inadequacies, approaching God with a contrite heart, and relying on His mercy rather than our own perceived righteousness. It reminds us that humility is the gateway to divine grace and acceptance.
Moses’ Humility: Lead with humility (Numbers 12:3)
Despite his position of leadership, Moses was known for his humility. God showed Moses how to lead his people to the promised land. God will always make a way.
Moses, a towering figure in the Bible and a leader of the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt, is a perfect example of humility.
What does the Bible say about humility? It finds profound expression in his life. Despite being chosen by God to lead His people, The man Moses never let his position inflate his ego. He repeatedly displayed remarkable humility before the Almighty.
From the burning bush encounter, where he questioned his worthiness to lead, to his intercession for the rebellious Israelites even when they provoked his anger, Moses consistently placed his trust in God’s guidance and wisdom above his own.
His unwavering commitment to serving God and his people without seeking personal glory is an enduring testament to the transformative power of humility.
The Humility of John the Baptist: Preach the Gospel with humility (John 1:19–28)
John recognized his role as a forerunner to Jesus and humbly acknowledged his unworthiness. John’s role was to preach the good news that salvation through the name of Jesus was on the way.
God came in human form to show us how to be part of the Kingdom of God. John is one of the great examples of humility the Bible gives us. John lived his life to the glory of God.
His humility shines through as he recognizes his role in preparing the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
When questioned about his identity and whether he is the long-awaited Christ, John responds with utmost humility, declaring that he is not the Christ but rather “a voice crying out in the wilderness” to make straight the way of the Lord.
John’s profound acknowledgment of his subordinate role and his willingness to decrease so that Christ may increase exemplify the essence of humility.
He directs all attention to the One who is to come, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and surrender to God’s divine plan. John the Baptist’s humility, is a timeless lesson, reminding us to humbly embrace our roles in God’s grand design and point others to the true source of salvation.
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet: Serve others with humility (John 13:1–17)
Christ Jesus demonstrated humility by washing his disciples’ feet, setting an example of servant leadership. The Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humility.
In this story, he asks that we live as humble servants, serving others. Jesus is God who came in the form of a servant.
He imparted a profound lesson on humility and servanthood. Traditionally reserved for the lowest of servants, this act demonstrated Jesus’ willingness to take on the role of servant despite being the Son of God. In doing so, He cleansed their physical impurities and conveyed a timeless message about the essence of humility.
By humbling Himself to perform this act of service, Jesus exemplified the idea that true greatness is found in serving others with love and humility. He taught us that in the Kingdom of God, leadership is not about power or status but about selflessly serving the needs of others, even when it involves tasks that society may deem menial.
This foot-washing serves as an enduring reminder of the humility Jesus encourages us to embrace in our lives.
The Prodigal Son: Pride leads to sin, Humility leads to repentance (Luke 15:11–32)
This is the story of the grace of God shown through the parable of a father and a prodigal son.
The younger son’s humility in returning home and acknowledging his wrongdoings is a central theme of this parable. This is the story of a family ruined by pride and reunited by humility.
The sin of pride led the younger son to take his father’s money and leave. His proud attitude led him to spend his money recklessly. And sinful pride landed him at a pig farm, eating pig food.
But humility and sincere repentance led him back to his father.
His humility is evident as he acknowledges his wrongdoing and unworthiness, uttering the famous words, “I am not worthy to be called your son.” His father’s response, filled with love and forgiveness, further highlights the power of humility.
The story teaches us that humility is the gateway to family reconciliation and restoration after a family has been broken. It invites us to recognize our mistakes, come to terms with our need for grace, and humbly seek forgiveness.
Like the prodigal son, when we embrace humility, we find that our Heavenly Father welcomes us with open arms, ready to shower us with His love and mercy, reminding us that even in our lowest moments, there is a path to redemption and reconciliation through humility.
The Widow’s Offering: Give with a humble spirit (Mark 12:41–44)
Jesus praised the widow’s humble and sacrificial offering, contrasting it with the showy contributions of others. Jesus, the Son of God, saw this humble gift and wanted to use it as an example for others.
The widow shows a humble attitude in the way she approaches God. Prideful people want everyone to know what they have given to God.
Their reward is here on earth.
But a humble person gives to God without wanting anyone to know.
In the bustling setting of the temple, where many wealthy individuals were making significant contributions, a humble widow came forward and quietly placed two small coins into the treasury.
Despite her meager offering compared to the grandeur of others, Jesus singled her out as having given more than all the rest. Her act of humility lay not in the monetary value of her gift but in the sacrificial spirit behind it.
The widow gave all she had, demonstrating her complete dependence on God and trust in His provision.
This story reminds us that humility is not about the size of our gifts or actions but about our hearts’ sincerity and willingness to give sacrificially, trusting in God’s abundant grace and care.
The widow’s offering underscores the principle that true humility is rooted in surrendering our all to God, even when it seems insignificant in the eyes of the world.
The Humility of King David: Repent from sin in humility – Psalm 51
David showed humility in seeking forgiveness for his sins, as seen in Psalm 51. David comes to the throne of God in humble submission.
In Psalm 51, King David’s profound humility is on full display as he pours his heart out to God in repentance. This psalm was written after David’s grievous sins with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up, a dark period in his life.
Yet, in this heartfelt prayer, David doesn’t make excuses or try to justify his actions. Instead, he takes full responsibility for his sins and acknowledges his need for God’s mercy and cleansing.
His words, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” reveal a deep longing for spiritual renewal and a genuine desire to be reconciled with God.
David’s humility lies in his admission of wrongdoing and his willingness to turn to God, seeking forgiveness and transformation.
His example in Psalm 51 reminds us that true humility involves acknowledging our flaws and turning to God with a contrite heart, trusting in His boundless grace and mercy.
The Canaanite Woman’s Faith: Seek God with humility (Matthew 15:21–28)
This woman displayed great humility and persistence in seeking healing for her daughter from Jesus. The Canaanite woman knew her only help would come through God’s mighty hand.
When she approached Jesus, seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter, she faced initial rejection as Jesus stated that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.
Despite this apparent dismissal, the Canaanite woman displayed extraordinary humility by not becoming discouraged or offended.
Instead, she knelt before Jesus, acknowledging her unworthiness by referring to herself as a “dog” compared to the children of Israel. Her steadfast faith matched her humility, as she believed that even the smallest portion of God’s grace would be sufficient to heal her daughter. Jesus, recognizing her remarkable faith and humility, granted her request and praised her for her great faith.
This episode is a powerful reminder that humility and persistent faith can move mountains and access God’s boundless mercy.
The Healing of the Blind Man: Be humble enough to ask for help (John 9:1-41)
The blind man’s humility in seeking Jesus’ help for his eyes led to his miraculous healing. The humility displayed by the blind man who came to Jesus is remarkable.
Born blind, he had lived a life filled with darkness and isolation, but when he heard of Jesus, he sought Him out for healing.
The blind man’s humility was evident as he approached Jesus with an open heart, acknowledging his physical and spiritual blindness. He did not demand or complain, but simply asked for mercy. His willingness to accept Jesus as the healer and obey His instructions without hesitation exemplified the essence of humility.
When his sight was restored, his profound gratitude and testimony further underscored his humility as he recognized God’s miraculous work through Jesus.
This story teaches us that humility involves recognizing our limitations and dependency on God’s mercy, approaching Him with faith and gratitude, and allowing His transformative power to work in our lives.
The Centurion’s Faith: Humility recognizes Jesus’ authority (Matthew 8:5–13)
The Roman centurion demonstrated humility by recognizing Jesus’ authority and asking for his servant’s healing. As a Roman military leader, the centurion held authority and power over others, yet he approached Jesus with a deep sense of humility and faith.
He didn’t deem himself worthy to have Jesus enter his house, recognizing Jesus’ authority and divine power. Instead, he declared, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
But only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” This centurion’s acknowledgment of his unworthiness and complete trust in Jesus’ words demonstrated profound humility. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, stating that he had not found such faith even in Israel.
This encounter reminds us that humility is not constrained by social status or position; rather, it is an attitude of heart and spirit that recognizes the authority and power of Jesus above all else, trusting in His sovereignty and grace.
The Beatitudes: Jesus taught humility (Matthew 5:5)
The chapter on the Beatitudes is the perfect place to find the memory verse for any Sunday school lesson. I recommend having your students memorize all the Bible verses in that chapter.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blessed those who were meek and humble. Humble people will be blessed.
As God’s people, we should want to live as Jesus did. This chapter in the Bible is our blueprint for following God’s command and living the way Jesus did.
The Humility of Mary: Acknowledge our limitations (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plan for her life is a powerful example of humility. Mary was a humble person. Faced with the news that she, a young and humble maiden, would conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary’s humility shines brightly.
Instead of questioning or doubting, she completely submits to God’s divine plan, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Mary’s profound acceptance of her role in God’s unfolding plan, willingness to embrace the extraordinary with grace and humility, and unwavering trust in God’s providence make her a beautiful example of humility.
Her story inspires us to approach God’s calling with open hearts, acknowledge our limitations, and yield to His will with faith and humility. Mary’s humility serves as a timeless reminder that it is in surrendering to God’s purpose that we find our truest greatness.
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: Embrace your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)
The Apostle Paul wrote about his weakness and need for God’s grace, highlighting the importance of humility. God has used the writings of Paul to bring Revival to the world.
The humility of the Apostle Paul is on full display as he grapples with his “thorn in the flesh.” Paul, who had endured numerous trials and persecutions in his ministry, pleaded with God three times to remove this affliction.
His fervent prayer and acceptance of God’s response stand out as incredible examples of humility. When God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,”
Paul did not respond with frustration or disappointment. Still, he embraced his weakness and vulnerability, recognizing that God’s grace was more than enough.
His humility was evident in his acknowledgment that his strength was inadequate and his dependence on God’s sufficiency.
Paul’s willingness to accept his limitations and rely on God’s grace underscores the profound lesson that true humility is found in surrendering our weaknesses to the divine strength of our Creator.
The Parable of the Wedding Feast: Set aside your self-sufficiencym(Luke 14:7–14)
Jesus taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted, while the proud will be humbled. Jesus imparts a vital lesson about humility. He tells of a man who hosts a great banquet but is met with excuses from those initially invited.
In response, the host invites the poor, crippled, blind, and lame from the streets, emphasizing that the kingdom of God welcomes those who recognize their spiritual poverty and need for His grace.
This story illustrates Jesus’ teachings on humility, where He emphasizes that true humility involves recognizing our unworthiness and the need for God’s invitation to the heavenly banquet.
Just as the poor and marginalized are invited, regardless of their social status, true humility requires acknowledging our spiritual poverty and embracing God’s invitation to His kingdom with gratitude and humility.
Jesus teaches that the path to the heavenly feast is open to all who come in humility, setting aside pride and self-sufficiency to accept God’s grace and love.
The Good Samaritan: (Luke 10:25–37) Humbly help strangers in need
The Samaritan’s humble act of helping a stranger in need demonstrates the virtue of humility in action. The Samaritan was willing to help because he had a humble heart.
In this story, we learn to leave the selfish ambition that is leading us down the wrong path and run to God.
The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the book of Luke in the New Testament, provides a poignant example of humility through the actions of the Samaritan man.
Despite being from a despised and marginalized group, he demonstrated profound humility by setting aside societal biases and prejudices to help a wounded stranger—a Jewish man left for dead by the side of the road.
The Samaritan rendered aid and went above and beyond, caring for the injured man’s needs and ensuring his well-being. His humility shines through in his selfless act of compassion, where he placed the welfare of another above his comfort and concerns.
The Good Samaritan teaches us that true humility transcends boundaries and prejudices, prompting us to extend a helping hand to those in need, irrespective of their background, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Conclusion
These Bible stories illustrate various aspects of humility, including recognizing one’s limitations, serving others, seeking forgiveness, and acknowledging our need for God’s grace. Humility is a central virtue in the Christian faith, as it aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Bible stories we’ve explored remind us that true greatness lies in humility in a world that often glorifies pride and self-promotion. They teach us that humility is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of inner strength, a readiness to recognize our imperfections, and an eagerness to place God’s will above our own.
These narratives encourage us to adopt a posture of servitude, compassion, and gratitude, echoing the profound words of Jesus, who said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
As we reflect on these timeless lessons, may we find inspiration in the lives of these biblical figures, striving to cultivate a spirit of humility in our journeys of faith.
Through humility, we draw nearer to God, experience His transformative grace, and ultimately partake in the eternal banquet of His kingdom.