Pride and Humility

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Third Edition

Gospel of Matt. 23:1–12 Self-Examination

Jesus spoke to the crowd and to his disciples:

“The scribes and Pharisees have taken the seat of Moses. Therefore, do as they say and observe their teachings. But do not learn from their deeds, for they say one thing and do another. They tie up heavy burdens and grievous to be borne by men, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do everything they do to be seen by men. They wear large scripture cases and large tassels on their robes, and they love the best seats at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi.’

“But do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have only one teacher, and you are all brothers. You have a Father in heaven. Do not be called teachers, for you have one Teacher, the Christ. Whoever is greatest among you must be your servant. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:1–12, Third Edition)

Pride vs. Humility

Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Matthew resonates strongly in today’s world. His words, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12), open a discussion about pride and humility, two forces that affect us and our society. Today, many people are focused on achieving social status or financial success. One study found that 70 percent of young adults feel pressured to compete on social media. They believe that by exalting themselves, they will achieve happiness. This is a challenge because humility often appears as a weakness. The values Jesus taught can therefore seem foreign to today’s world.

What could Jesus’ message really mean today? How does it affect us as individuals and as a society? Pride is often self-aggrandizement. It can manifest itself in our clothing, behavior, or social relationships. For example, someone may be proud of their new car or job, but this pride can easily lead to isolation. A high sense of self-worth can seem attractive, but it can also prevent us from seeing the strengths of others.

On the other hand, humility means the ability to see ourselves as part of a larger whole. A humble person understands that learning and interacting with us are ongoing processes. In a society that emphasizes competition and showing off one’s achievements, it can be difficult to find space for humility. However, humility opens doors to compassion and connection.

The Importance of the Path of Humbling Yourself

Humbling ourselves does not mean giving up selfishness. It means putting others first. This attitude is reflected, for example, in volunteering, which has been growing in popularity in Finland; a significant proportion of Finns have participated in volunteering in recent years. Jesus followed this example, mingling with the margins of society, helping the poor and sick, and listening to his disciples. Choosing this kind of life can seem difficult. In today's world, where rushing and achievement dominate, it is easy to forget that community is important. When we offer our help and support, we live humbly and grow as people.

Rooting in Values

Jesus’ words encourage us to root in deeper values. Humility can be a power that changes the world. As more people choose humility over pride, we can create a culture of empathy and support around us. For example, studies have shown that organizations with a high level of collaboration are up to 30 percent more productive than others. Humility does not mean submission. It is a strength that requires the courage to admit your own shortcomings. Are you willing to listen and learn from others, even those who are “below” you?

Humility and its effects

Think about the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. They faced challenges, but they also learned about humility and service. Peter asks Jesus, “We have left everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27). This is a reminder that humility and self-abasement will later lead to great rewards, not only in this life but also in eternity.

Ask yourself: How can humility affect your daily life? By choosing to live a humble life, opportunities open up. We are ready to meet each other without prejudice. Humility creates deeper understanding and compassion. Our times are full of challenges, and humility can be a safe haven in difficult times. When we care about the well-being of others, it can improve our relationships and strengthen communities.

Summary

Jesus’ words, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted,” are still relevant. We learn from this that humility can be a resource that frees us from selfish demands. It opens the door to compassion, love, and a broader understanding. When the world promotes pride and achievement, let’s go back to our roots. Humility unites us. Together we can understand the deepest meaning of life. So let us strive for humility and support each other on the journey forward.