[CYM] 9.0 Be Humble and Serve Others

Yeshua consistently taught and modeled humility and servant leadership, calling His followers to abandon pride and embrace lowliness and love in action.

In the book of Matthew, Yeshua declares,

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:26–28).

He also warns, and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12), showing that God honors the humble. Yeshua elevates childlike humility as the posture necessary to enter the kingdom. In Matthew 18:1–4 it is recorded,

At the same time came the disciples unto Yeshua, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Yeshua called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

In the book of Mark, similar themes emerge: and he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35). Yeshua redefines greatness through servanthood, especially in contrast to worldly ambition. This message challenges the disciples’ expectations and reshapes kingdom leadership.

The book of Luke highlights humility in parables and teachings. Yeshua tells guests at a banquet to “take the lowest place”. In Luke 14:10 it says,

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

He also teaches, for whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11). Humility, in the book of Luke, is deeply tied to God’s favor and mercy.

In the book of John, Yeshua gives a powerful example by washing His disciples’ feet, saying, if I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet (John 13:14).

This act embodies servant-hearted humility, urging His followers to imitate His love and selflessness. Across the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Yeshua commands a life of humility and service as the true path to greatness in God’s kingdom.