Pride vs. Humility: A Comparison

I spent time reading Mark 10 during my quiet time this week and I was reminded once again of the difference between pride and humility. I've never noticed how much the two are compared in this chapter before. It was also a reminder to me to check my motives and see when I've crossed the line into be prideful instead of walking in humility.

We see the following two character traits represented.

Pride

The Pharisees were full of zealous pride in their laws and were continually attempting to trip Jesus up. In Mark 10:2-10, the Pharisees grill Jesus on the law of Moses in regard to divorce.

Humility

In Mark 10:13-16 people were bringing their children to Jesus and the disciples got annoyed. Jesus reminded them that unless we become approach Jesus as a child we cannot enter the Kingdom. He used them as an example of humility.

Pride

Mark 10:17-22, we see a rich young ruler who had pride in the fact that he was righteous and kept all the religious laws. And yet, when Jesus told him that he needed to sell all he had to give it to the most humble - the poor - he was unable to do so. 

Pride

In verses 23-31, Jesus tells his disciples how difficult it is for people who are wealthy to give it up. Peter, full of pride, says, "Look, we have left everything to follow you!" Even in his following of Jesus, he was prideful. Jesus reminds him that those who want to be first will be last.

Humility

Jesus then tells his disciples what He was going to suffer. In verses 32-34, He lets them know exactly what it means. Their Messiah was not going to have a triumphant victory. He was going to be humbled, suffer and die.

Pride

No sooner are the words out of Jesus' mouth when two of the disciples, James and John ask Him to let them be exalted and sit on either side of Him in glory. (verses 35:40) In arrogance, they sought to be more important than the rest. 

Humility

In verses 41-45, Jesus once again reminds them all that  anyone who wants to be great will become a servant and whomever wants to be first will be last. 

Humility

In verses 46-52, we see a contrast between the two disciples who wanted to be first, and humility that is expressed by a simple blind beggar on the side of the road who recognizes Jesus as the Son of David. His faith in the Messiah ended up being the thing that brought him sight. Jesus asked both the disciples and this man what they wanted Him to do for them and the disciples chose position and power and the beggar chose the ability to see.

And we can continue this comparison into chapter 11 when Jesus has the disciples bring Him a donkey so he can ride into Jerusalem on it. This beast of burden was a symbol of humility  and is what Jesus chose to ride on as He went into the city. It was a reminder to His followers that he was not coming as a conqueror in power, but as a Savior in humility.

What a beautiful reminder for us! So often we fall into the trap of pridefully seeking power and position and wealth. That was not the example of our Savior. I want to walk in humility as I seek to follow Him. 

Let our life be one of humility and stooping down in service to  the Lord and to others.