In the book of Numbers, we encounter a powerful moment in the life of Moses that gives us a glimpse of the humility that would later be embodied in Jesus Christ. In Numbers 12, we see an instance where Moses, despite facing criticism and opposition from his own family, exemplifies humility in a way that points us directly to the ultimate model of humility—Jesus Christ.
The Humble Leadership of Moses
Numbers 12 opens with an incident that reveals the human nature of Moses’ leadership. Miriam, Moses’ sister, and Aaron, his brother, begin to speak against Moses because of his marriage to a Cushite woman. In essence, they question Moses’ unique position as God’s chosen leader of the Israelites. Their criticism is not just about his marriage; it’s an underlying challenge to Moses’ authority and leadership.
It’s important to recognize that Moses, the one who had led the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and received the Ten Commandments, could have responded with force, pride, or anger. He could have demanded respect for all his accomplishments. Instead, Moses reacts with remarkable humility. In the midst of their accusation, Moses says nothing in his own defense. Instead, we are told that “Moses was very humble, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).
God’s response to Miriam and Aaron’s criticism is swift. He calls them to the Tent of Meeting, where He rebukes them. He tells them that, unlike Moses, who speaks to God face to face, He communicates with other prophets in visions and dreams. He also condemns Miriam’s actions, and she is struck with leprosy. However, in an act of mercy and grace, God heals Miriam after Moses intercedes on her behalf.
This story highlights a key aspect of Moses’ character: his humility. Moses knew that his role as the leader of Israel was not of his own making, but a calling from God. He wasn’t seeking to build his own empire or to boast about his achievements. Instead, Moses understood that God’s authority, not his own, was what made him a true leader.
Jesus, the Ultimate Model of Humility
Moses’ humility in Numbers 12 foreshadows the humility of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of what Moses merely pointed to. Jesus, too, was a humble leader who did not seek glory or recognition for Himself but came to serve others. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” These words echo the humility that we see in Moses but take it to a deeper level, as Jesus was not only humble in His actions but also in His very nature.
The contrast between Moses and Jesus is clear in how both leaders dealt with opposition and hardship. Moses was a great prophet and leader, but his actions were always directed by God’s commands, and his humility often came through as a response to God’s greater plan. Jesus, however, is the very Son of God, the Creator Himself, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for the salvation of humanity.
In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul writes:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”
Here, we see that Jesus, though fully divine, chose to humble Himself and take on human form, ultimately submitting to the most humiliating form of death. His humility wasn’t just a characteristic; it was the means by which salvation was accomplished. Just as Moses interceded for Miriam, Jesus intercedes for all of humanity, not just in word but by laying down His life.
The Significance of Humility in Leadership
What does it mean for us to follow the example of Moses and, ultimately, Jesus in humility? In a world where leadership is often equated with power, prestige, and pride, the humility of Moses and Jesus offers a radical contrast. True leadership in the kingdom of God is not about self-promotion or seeking one’s own glory. It’s about serving others, sacrificing for others, and recognizing that any position of leadership is a gift from God and a responsibility to represent His will.
Moses, as a humble leader, never took credit for the miracles and wonders God performed through him. He never claimed glory for leading Israel out of Egypt, for the manna that fell from heaven, or for parting the Red Sea. His humility was demonstrated through his acknowledgment that he was merely a servant of God, chosen for a specific purpose. Similarly, Jesus, though He was God in the flesh, humbled Himself to become a servant, laying down His life for the salvation of humanity.
Humility in leadership means putting others’ needs before your own, as Jesus did. It means submitting to God’s will, as Moses did. It also means being willing to suffer for the greater good, as Jesus did on the cross.
The Call to Humility for Us
The story of Moses and the example of Jesus’ humility are both a call to action for us. We are called to reflect the character of Christ in our own lives. As leaders—whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities—we are called to model humility. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). True greatness in God’s kingdom comes not through self-promotion but through self-sacrifice.
Humility also means being willing to receive correction and discipline, as Moses did when God confronted Miriam and Aaron. It means not elevating ourselves above others but recognizing that every good thing we have comes from God’s grace.
Jesus is the greater Moses—He is the true Prophet, the eternal Priest, and the King of Kings. His humility was not just a virtue to be admired; it was the very means by which He accomplished the greatest act of love in history: the salvation of mankind. Just as Moses’ humility paved the way for the Israelites to experience God’s blessing and deliverance, Jesus’ humility paved the way for all of humanity to experience eternal life and peace with God.
Conclusion: The Humility That Leads to Glory
As we reflect on Numbers 12 and the life of Jesus, we are reminded that true greatness in God’s eyes is not found in power or prestige but in humility and service. Jesus, the ultimate humble leader, calls us to follow Him—not in pursuit of fame or power, but in the pursuit of selflessness and love.
In the humility of Moses, we see a shadow of the humility of Christ, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and, in doing so, secured our salvation. Let us, then, learn from Jesus, the humble and greater Moses, and seek to live lives marked by humility, service, and love.
