What Coming Down the Mountain Reveals About Jesus’ Heart

When we think of Jesus, many images come to mind: the miracle worker, the compassionate healer, the fearless teacher. But one of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ life is His humility. Humility is woven into His character and actions, and it's something we see so clearly in the way He lived, especially in moments like the one described in Luke 6:17:

"Jesus and his apostles came down from the hillside to a level field, where a large number of his disciples waited, along with a massive crowd: people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal district of Tyre and Sidon." (Luke 6:17 TPT)

At first glance, this might seem like a simple travel narrative, a transition from the mountaintop to the crowd below. But if we look closely, there’s something powerful about this scene—a model of humility that Jesus not only displayed but also called us to follow.

Let’s break it down and explore the profound message of humility found in these verses.

The Scene: Coming Down from the Hillside

Jesus and His apostles were on a hillside—likely a place of quiet, spiritual retreat. Many of us know what it's like to want to get away, to step back from the noise of life and be in a place of peace and solitude. For Jesus, this time on the hill was probably one of personal reflection, prayer, and preparation.

But here's where humility comes in: rather than staying in the safety and comfort of the hill, away from the crowds and challenges, Jesus chose to step down. He descended from the mountaintop, physically lowering Himself to be with those who needed Him.

This act is symbolic of something deeper. Jesus didn’t need to come down. He was the King, after all, the Savior of the world. But He chose humility. He didn’t see His position as something to be grasped or protected. Instead, He modeled the humility of service—always willing to be where the people were, to walk among them, to meet them in their need.

In our own lives, we might be tempted to stay in our "high places," where we feel safe, successful, or untouchable. But humility calls us to step down—to put others first, to step into situations that might be uncomfortable or challenging, and to serve rather than be served.

A Field of Disciples and a Mass of Crowds

As Jesus comes down from the hillside, He doesn't do so alone. He is accompanied by His apostles, those who followed Him closely, learning from Him, witnessing His ministry. But they aren’t the only ones gathered. There is also a massive crowd waiting for Him—disciples from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and even from coastal districts like Tyre and Sidon.

This crowd represents people from all walks of life, from various backgrounds and regions. They had heard of Jesus, and they came to see for themselves. They came with their hopes, their struggles, and their need for healing. In that moment, Jesus saw them not as a group of individuals to be kept at arm’s length but as people to love, to serve, to teach.

Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less. Jesus didn’t walk down to the crowd with a sense of superiority, nor did He avoid them. Instead, He met them where they were, knowing that each person mattered deeply to God. He didn’t let His position or popularity keep Him distant; He humbled Himself to be present with them, offering grace and truth in a way that would change their lives.

Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Humility

In this moment, Jesus gives us a glimpse of the ultimate example of humility. Throughout His life, He showed us what true humility looks like—being willing to lower oneself for the sake of others. This is the same Jesus who would later kneel to wash His disciples’ feet, who would allow Himself to be crucified, and who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus, though fully God, didn’t use His power to elevate Himself. Instead, He used it to serve others, to heal the broken, and to lift up those in need.

This is the kind of humility we are called to imitate in our own lives. We live in a culture that often values power, prestige, and self-promotion. But Jesus teaches us that true greatness is found in humility—choosing others over ourselves, lifting them up rather than seeking to elevate our own status.

How Jesus’ Humility Speaks to Us Today

In our everyday lives, humility can feel like a counterintuitive concept. We live in a world that tells us to assert our rights, climb the ladder of success, and seek recognition.

Yet, Jesus’ life speaks directly against this. His humility shows us that greatness isn’t about how many people serve us, but how many we serve.

Here are a few ways we can apply the humility of Jesus to our lives:

1. Serve Others Without Expectation

Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). The humility He demonstrated calls us to serve others without expecting anything in return. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering our time, or offering encouragement, humility involves serving others selflessly.

2. Be Present in the Midst of the Mess

Jesus didn’t avoid the crowds or the brokenness of those who came to Him. He met them right where they were. In our own lives, we are often surrounded by people in pain, confusion, or difficulty. Humility calls us to step into their world, to listen, and to love, rather than distancing ourselves from their struggles.

3. Value People Over Position

Jesus’ humility shows us that people matter more than titles or status. It's easy to get caught up in our own achievements, career goals, or social standing. But Jesus reminds us that real success in God’s eyes isn’t about what we achieve, but how we treat others. Humility is about valuing people—especially those who may not have anything to offer us in return.

4. Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Humility often involves sacrifice. Jesus was willing to give up His comfort, His security, and ultimately His life for the sake of others. In our own lives, we may be called to make sacrifices for the good of others—whether it's our time, our resources, or our own desires. But just like Jesus, the sacrifices we make are not in vain; they bear fruit in the lives of those we serve.

Embracing Humility in Our Journey

Humility isn’t about putting ourselves down, but about recognizing the worth of others and choosing to serve them. Jesus’ example of humility shows us that we can live with a posture of grace and love, always ready to meet people where they are and serve them with our hearts.

As we follow Jesus, let’s remember that His humility is not just an example to admire from a distance but a call to action. Just as He descended from the hillside to meet the crowd, we are invited to step down from our own "high places" to serve others, to love them in the messiness of life, and to offer grace in a world that desperately needs it.

In embracing humility, we don’t just become more like Jesus—we also draw closer to the heart of God, who is the ultimate servant and the perfect model of love. And in doing so, we experience the beauty of a life where love, service, and humility intersect in powerful ways.

Peace in Christ,