Radical Like Jesus: The Humility That Changes Everything
What does it mean to be radical?
In today’s culture, “radical” might sound extreme, uncomfortable, even dangerous. But in the life of Jesus, it meant something entirely different—and far more powerful. Being radical didn’t look like leading armies or seizing thrones. It looked like riding a donkey into a city that would soon crucify Him. It looked like weeping over people who rejected Him. It looked like humility, self-sacrifice, and a deep, burning love for the brokenness of this world.
Jesus Was Humble on Purpose
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, He didn’t ride in on a warhorse or demand attention with military strength. He chose a donkey—the symbol of humility. He entered the city not as a conquering king, but as a suffering servant. This was not weakness; this was radical strength under control. It was deliberate humility, modeled for us so we would understand what true greatness looks like.
How often do we associate humility with weakness? Yet Scripture says God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Jesus wasn’t humbled because He had to be. He humbled Himself willingly—even though He was the King of Kings.
If we want to be radical like Jesus, it starts with humility. Not performative humility. Not forced humility. But a posture of the heart that says: Not my will, but Yours be done. The kind of humility that lays down pride, sets aside the need to be right, and puts others before ourselves.
Knowing Who You Are Changes Everything
Jesus didn’t need validation from the crowd or permission from the Pharisees. Even when the religious leaders demanded He silence His followers, He responded with confidence: “If they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
Here’s the radical truth: humility never diminishes identity. Jesus knew exactly who He was. He was the Son of God. The Messiah. The Savior of the world. And yet, He still chose to come low.
Christians today often struggle with identity. We forget who we are—and whose we are. But Scripture tells us:
- You are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-14)
- You are God’s workmanship, created for good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
- You are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
When you understand your identity in Christ, you can walk in humility without losing confidence. You don’t have to boast, because you know the One who holds your life. You don’t have to prove yourself, because He already called you chosen.
A Broken Heart for a Broken World
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He wept. Not because He feared death—but because He saw what could have been. He saw a people who rejected their King, a city that missed its moment, a temple that had lost its purpose.
His heart broke—not for Himself—but for what was lost.
If we want to follow Jesus, we must let our hearts break, too. Not just over news headlines or statistics, but over real people—our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends—who are far from God.
Do we see them as lost sheep or lost causes? Do we carry the heart of Christ, who longs to gather His people as a hen gathers her chicks? Do we love enough to invite, to pray, to pursue?
To be radical like Jesus is to weep over what breaks God’s heart, and then do something about it.
So… Are You Radical Like Jesus?
Not radical in noise or rebellion. But radical in humility. Radical in knowing your identity in Christ. Radical in loving others with compassion and boldness. Radical in living counter to the culture, choosing grace over judgment, and truth over comfort.
Jesus didn’t just come to save us—He came to send us.
And the world doesn’t need more lukewarm faith. It needs believers who are willing to follow Jesus all the way—into the mess, into the margins, into the radical calling of love.
Let’s not play it safe. Let’s not aim for comfort. Let’s be the kind of people who turn the world upside down with humility, confidence, and Christ-centered compassion.
Because that’s what it means to be radical like Jesus.