The church’s record of holding power – from Emperor Constantine in the 4th century onwards – has involved some terrible acts of coercion, exploitation, and abuse – yet Jesus set an example of selfless service.
This lesson looks at the “humility revolution” that Jesus started, and how within just 500 years it had radically transformed Roman culture.
Introduce
Define & Brainstorm
Students write a definition of what it means to be humble, describing helpful examples and explaining what it is about a humble person that is attractive.
As a class brainstorm what it means for a person to be “great”? Include qualities and characteristics associated with the idea of “greatness”.
Reflect & Respond
Display the ‘Humility’ quotes students choose their favourite one and write a sentence explaining why they like it. Students write their own ‘Humility’ meme (or find another one online) to share with the group. (The Humility Revolution Slides)
Engage
Watch & Discuss
Watch the documentary excerpt ‘The Humility Revolution’ (9:57).
Discuss why none of the Delphic Maxims included any reference to humility.
Think - Pair - Share
Students complete a Think/Pair/Share activity on the following:
- How would you describe Aristotle’s view of humility?
- Explain why ancient Greek culture had such a negative view of humility.
- How do early Christian burial chambers reflect the value of humility?
Reflective Composition
Students imagine they are witnessing the encounter between Emperor Justinian and Sabas and create a social media post explaining what happened and their reaction to it.
Students compose 1 or 2 paragraphs reflecting on the death of Jesus and how that method of execution was viewed by his contemporaries, outlining the thoughts that Jesus’ followers would have had to process when their leader was crucified.
Bible Study
Students read Mark 10:35-45 and describe in their own words what James and John are asking Jesus.
Students fill in a table to compare and contrast the different understandings of leadership. Jesus’ Leadership / Gentile Leaders / The Disciples as Leaders.
Discuss the way Jesus uses the word “ransom” in v.45.
Students read Philippians 2:1-11 and reflect on a conflict they have recently experienced. They consider the way in which the verse invites them to respond differently, and the attitude it encourages.
Respond
Compose & Discuss
Students compose three additions to the Delphic Maxims that reflect the value of humility.
Display the John Dickson quote and discuss whether or not a definition of “greatness” should include humility? (The Humility Revolution Slides)
Reflective Discussion
As a class discuss the ways in which the example of Jesus should influence student leadership motivations and attitudes.
Pose the question:
“In what ways should leaders who are Christian be different from those who are not?”
This could include a discussion around perceptions and expectations of current world leaders – including politicians, cultural leaders, business and corporate leaders, celebrities.
Extension
- Article: Even Death on a Cross: How Christian Humility Upended the World (16 min)
Students read the article and respond by noting down:
- One thing that stands out to them.
- One question they have or aspect they want to investigate further.
- One idea they want to take away from the article and apply to their own life or school community.