Exalted Humbleness

Humbled Exaltation (written by guest author David Peterson, pastor at St. John's Community Church in Fort Atkinson, WI

In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and warns His listeners to avoid their ways. They are consumed with appearances and self-promotion—outwardly impressive, yet inwardly empty and proud. Jesus tells them in Matthew 23:12:

“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Jesus then follows this statement with seven “woes,” solemn warnings of impending judgment for their sins. Almost proverbial in tone, Jesus teaches that prideful self-exaltation will ultimately result in shame, while those who pursue humility will find honor. Throughout this passage, Jesus emphasizes the central importance of humility in His teaching.

The renowned Christian writer and apologist C. S. Lewis once said:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Lewis captures a striking truth: the Christian life is not meant to revolve around our own wants, needs, or achievements. Instead, we are called to relate to one another with care, concern, love, and humility in all our dealings.

Edmund Jones wrote the hymn “Come, Humble Sinner, in Whose Breast” in 1760. The first three stanzas read:

1 Come, humble sinner, in whose breast

A thousand thoughts revolve;

Come, with your guilt and fear oppressed,

And make this last resolve:

2 I’ll go to Jesus, though my sins

Like mountains round me close;

I know His courts, I’ll enter in,

Whatever may oppose.

3 Prostrate I’ll lie before His throne,

And there my guilt confess;

I’ll tell Him I’m a wretch undone

Without His sovereign grace.

Jones chronicles the journey of a humble sinner who is keenly aware of his guilt yet still comes to Jesus for mercy. In humility, he confesses his sin and appeals to Christ alone for grace and restoration.

Let us pray: Saving Jesus, remind us to put others before ourselves and to recognize our dependence and direction from You. We ask you to lift us up in humble submission. Amen.