“Christ, The Meek And Lowly“
[By Brad Turner]

 “Humility is the worst form of conceit.” That quote is by a fellow named Francois de La Rochefoucauld. I just heard it in a movie once. But isn’t true sometimes? Someone is “so humble” that they are pompous in their humility. Social media calls this behavior a “humble brag.” A lot of times we get humility and meekness confused, or at the least, overlapped with each other. To be humble means having a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Meekness is a quiet, gentle demeanor. However, how many truly humble people show impatience, assertiveness, or are overbearing and pushy? Those qualities are usually the opposite of meekness.

As Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount, He reveals characteristics of those who would be citizens of the kingdom of God (through obedience to Him and His new covenant, ratified by His blood). All of these individuals would possess these qualities or characteristics to some degree, and furthermore would strive for the attainment of higher levels or more completeness of these qualities. The King, who describes the characteristics, has each of them in abundance, and is the prime example of each.

In our continued study through the Gospel of Mark, we read of Christ’s humility. The Son of God. Deity. Eternal creator. “He came not to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV). This individual, who came to earth and left the glories of Heaven, “emptied Himself by taking on the form of a servant”, and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:7-8, ESV).

Let’s notice the meekness of our Savior. Firstly, meekness does not necessarily mean weakness. Although the word “weak” is used as a synonym of meek, that is not always the case. A quick Google search of meekness yields all kinds of synonyms and phrases. One such is “lamb-like” and “like a lamb to slaughter.” Interesting, isn’t it? But not surprising that the source of salvation for the entire world can be mentally visualized by a gentle lamb headed to slaughter for sacrifice. Is it no wonder that this method for forgiveness of sins in the Old Testament was used, and not just some kind of arbitrary bit of whimsy by God? One can truly say that a lamb is a weak creature compared to a predator like a wolf, but can we say Jesus was not strong? Physically, your guess is as good as mine, but this Man, God in the flesh, had already shown His power over nature, disease, demons, and told Pilate that legions of angels were at His defense with but a word. No. Jesus was not weak at all.

Secondly, some of the definitions of meekness include quiet, gentle, submissive, and yielding. “And He said, ‘Abba Father, all things are possible for you [power/strength – emphasis mine]. Remove this cup from Me. Yet not that I will, but what You will’” (Mark 14:36, ESV). The Lamb of God yielding to the mob (that sounds like a song we sing), and quiet in the face of His accusers.

Thirdly, His meekness actually gave His accusers more “ammunition” for their case against Him. This was brought out in our studies also. Look at Mark 15:2 “You have said so”, and in verse 5, “But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed” (ESV). That was it. Now compare ourselves to Christ in this situation. The author of this article would act very differently under the same circumstances. There would be high pitched, logical arguments against the accusations, eventual conviction, and sentence. Likely going so far as to try and physically fight a way out, and escape such a travesty of justice. That would not shock anyone present, but being quiet during all of this? Amazing! The “witnesses” during this “trial” could not even get their story correct against Jesus. He could have easily made their case against Him moot at any point. But what was His mission? To serve and pay that ransom for many. When we sing, pray, talk, or think about our Lord’s sacrifice for our sins and the visceral impact it has on us, how different might it feel if He led a rebellion right there in Pilate’s court with His apostles and other disciples fighting to rescue Him? Had He almost escaped, but was caught at the end and was crucified, the Romans would actually have a case against Him. He tried, but failed. Still a sacrifice, yes? No. Can we see the immense role that His meekness played in all of these events? What about calling on that legion of angels? An audible if you will in God’s plan of redemption. No. There would not even be a sacrifice. All of the Old Testament sacrifices would lose their meaning for those people and us!

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, ESV). Will those members of this kingdom rule the earth? What does the Lord say about His kingdom to Pilate in John’s account? “My kingdom is not of this earth…for this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice” (paraphrased John 18:36-37).

For us to be a part of this kingdom, meekness is essential. Gentle, yielding souls willing to listen and submit to the truth of our Savior, the One who led (still leads) the way showing us the true and perfect fulfillment of the characteristics He presented on the mountain.

So, what will these individuals inherit for being, or striving to be meek? I encourage you to read the first chapters of I Peter, Colossians, and Ephesians! Truly blessed are the meek. Are you meek? Are you striving to be meek? Do you “show off” your meekness? Let us all look to our Savior, the perfect example, and thank God that He was meek and lowly for our sakes!