29 October 2025
Featured
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”
~ Philippians 2:3-5 [New International Version]
Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples. While discipleship is an integral component of the Great Commission, it is the least understood. The definition of the verb ‘disciple’ (gr. matheteuo μαθητεύω) is very clear and describes two components relative to the individual, of which one is a disciple: a) be their pupil/student and b) adhere to their precepts and teachings through following their personal example. Although there are many ways in which a disciple can manifest being a student and exhibit a life in conformity to the example of Jesus Christ, the question remains:
What is the most comprehensive mark of discipleship?
Considering the information recorded in the Gospels about Jesus, it became obvious that the attribute about which Jesus taught and exemplified the most was Humility. Humility is the embodiment and distinguishing feature of discipleship. As a disciple of Jesus, one is both a learner and an imitator of Jesus; humility is the quintessential facilitator of both the learning and imitating aspects of discipleship. In Jesus’ own words, there are three things Jesus most often associated with being his disciple. First, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed (John 8:31 KJV).” Maintaining humility is critical in discipleship, which comes from continuing in God’s word. Humility does not simply manifest itself but rather emanates from desire, prayer, faith, practice, and studying God’s word, which provides instruction in these areas. Second, Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).” In discussing humility in daily life, it is in our relationships with each other that a spirit of humility is seen. It is essential to recognize that an exclusive focus on the value of humility is the definitive preparation for revealing the humility of Jesus to others. Finally, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).” The denial component of discipleship is the most notable alignment with humility, as it unequivocally submits that true discipleship is humility. As discipleship involves imitating Jesus, Jesus became the sin of humankind by being the perfect sacrifice. Jesus denied His own perfect nature to save the believer. The believer must also practice denial and understand that humility is not something given to God or even that received from God. Humility is acknowledging and embracing the honor of complete nothingness that results from seeing that God is everything.
To this end, humility became the overarching grace, and the mystery revealed regarding the atonement of Jesus. In fact, the deepest motivation of the life and work of Jesus was God’s redemption through Him. It was Jesus’ humility that achieved what pleased God in the face of aggressive and immense adversity. Even Jesus’ teachings served as an instructional guide to a path of greatness. The teachings of Jesus explained a theology of greatness which culminated not in exaltation but rather humility. Jesus taught that the path to the higher life is actually the lower path. While intellect and truth can coexist with pride, projecting pride and surrendering to God simultaneously is impossible.
For the purposes of a follow-up study of the biblical synergy between humility and discipleship, there are two passages in Scripture which provide important evidence that “humility be the first, the all-including grace of the life of Jesus.” In the first passage, Jesus describes the greatest love, “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Jesus describes the act which represents the greatest love and then proceeded to conduct the same act of humility which he described (1 John 3:16). The second passage which supports humility as the comprehensive grace of the life of Jesus is during the Garden of Gethsemane prayer. Right before His crucifixion, Jesus asks God if the plan to save humankind had to occur in the manner being executed (Matthew 26:39). Even in the face of becoming sin and enduring separation from God, Jesus surrendered to God’s will.
In summary, the notion of humility as the true mark of discipleship is both convicting and sobering. The fact that Jesus’ ultimate presentation of humility was His death reminds Christians of how much Jesus was willing to surrender to God’s will. Humility leads to perfect death, and death can perfect humility. Humility enables the believer to enter into comprehensive fellowship with Christ in His death, and there is nothing more encouraging than fellowship with Christ.
Dr. Quincy Byrdsong is the Minister of Education at the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University and holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition from Liberty University, where he is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate in Theology and Apologetics.
Written By:
Dr. Quincy Byrdsong,
Minister of Education at the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University and holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition from Liberty University, where he is currently a Doctor of Theology and Apologetics candidate.drbyrdsong@yahoo.com
