Did you get the memo from Jesus? “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). Read any stretch of the gospels where Jesus is telling stories or making observations about his kingdom and you will get the message. “This is how it’s going to be from now on. Arrogant is out. Humble is in.”

The people around Jesus were typically in three categories: some kind of broken mess, the career faultfinders, and his on-looking students. Jesus sent the memo by ministering to outcasts no one else would go near. He was always showing favor to the humble. The faultfinders just found more fault with Jesus. And his disciples kept scratching their heads, trying to understand what it meant. 

Jesus died making his point (see Luke 23). The Humble-Almighty was crucified between the defiant and the repentant. Curious people came to watch the spectacle. Leaders who should have behaved with somber dignity under the circumstances sneered at Jesus. Soldiers who only understood power mocked him: “Some king you turned out to be.” A man who wouldn’t admit he deserved to be on a cross taunted Jesus, “Save yourself and us!” (verse 39). A humble man accepted his cross and could see there was only one reason for the innocent man to be on his. He asked for mercy: “Jesus, remember me” (verse 42). Jesus showed favor to the humble and told him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (verse 43).