Choosing Humility: The Legacies of Augustus and Jesus

 

Summary

Reflecting on life and the paths we choose, I recently found myself contemplating the lives of two historical figures: Caesar Augustus and Jesus. As I celebrated my birthday, a call from my friend Scotty Scruggs prompted me to think about the kind of life I want to lead. This reflection led me to consider the contrasting legacies of Augustus and Jesus, as described in Mary Beard's book, "SPQR."

Caesar Augustus, the most powerful man of his time, documented his accomplishments in a work called "Res Gestae." He boasted of avenging his adoptive father Julius Caesar's murder and celebrated numerous triumphs. His life was marked by power, public recognition, and a desire for legacy. In contrast, Jesus' life was characterized by humility, sacrifice, and a different kind of triumph—one achieved through the cross, not through military might or public acclaim.

The concept of adoption in the ancient world, as seen in Augustus' life, was not about compassion for orphans but about ensuring a legacy. Similarly, the Bible speaks of our adoption into God's family, not as a gesture of pity, but as a calling to fulfill a divine purpose. God sees our potential and gifts, and He calls us to live out His will, even when we feel inadequate.

Caesar's triumphs were celebrated with grand parades, while Jesus' victory was a public spectacle of a different kind—one that disarmed powers through His sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are part of His triumphal procession, not as conquerors, but as those who live in the humility and service exemplified by Jesus.

Caesar's life was filled with self-promotion, even in his acts of generosity. In contrast, Jesus taught us to give in secret, trusting that our Heavenly Father sees what is done in private. At the end of his life, Caesar sought applause, while Jesus, in His final moments, offered forgiveness.

The irony is that Caesar's most famous decree, the census, unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy that led to the birth of Jesus, the true King whose movement continues to change the world. As we navigate our own lives, we are invited to follow Jesus' example, embracing humility, service, and the quiet assurance that our lives, though seemingly obscure, are part of a greater divine narrative.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adoption into God's Family: Unlike ancient Roman adoption, which was about securing a legacy, our adoption by God is about fulfilling His divine purpose. God sees our potential and gifts, calling us to live out His will, even when we feel inadequate. [04:19]

2. True Triumph in Christ: While Caesar's triumphs were celebrated with grand parades, Jesus' victory was achieved through the cross. As followers of Christ, we are part of His triumphal procession, living in humility and service. [06:43]

3. The Power of Humility: Caesar's life was marked by self-promotion, but Jesus taught us to give in secret, trusting that our Heavenly Father sees what is done in private. This humility is a powerful testimony of faith. [08:13]

4. Legacy Beyond Recognition: Caesar sought applause at the end of his life, while Jesus offered forgiveness. Our true legacy lies not in public recognition but in the quiet assurance that our lives are part of God's greater narrative. [09:06]

5. Divine Purpose in Obscurity: Caesar's decree unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy leading to Jesus' birth. Our seemingly obscure lives are part of a divine plan, and we are invited to follow Jesus' example of humility and service. [10:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Birthday Reflection
- [01:08] - Two Paths: Caesar and Jesus
- [01:56] - Caesar's Accomplishments
- [02:36] - Biblical Adoption
- [03:29] - Ancient Roman Adoption
- [04:19] - God's Adoption of Us
- [05:00] - Caesar's Triumphs
- [06:06] - Jesus' Victory
- [07:20] - Caesar's Boasting
- [08:13] - Jesus' Teaching on Giving
- [09:06] - End of Life Reflections
- [09:37] - Caesar's Decree and Prophecy
- [10:20] - Following Jesus' Example
- [10:43] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Galatians 4:4-7 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'"
2. Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
3. Matthew 6:3-4 - "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of adoption in the ancient Roman world compared to the biblical concept of adoption? [03:29]

2. How does the sermon describe the triumphal procession of Caesar Augustus compared to that of Jesus? [06:43]

3. According to the sermon, what was Caesar Augustus's attitude towards his accomplishments and public recognition? [07:20]

4. What irony does the sermon highlight about Caesar Augustus's decree and its unintended fulfillment of prophecy? [09:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of adoption into God's family challenge or affirm one's understanding of their identity and purpose according to the sermon? [04:19]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' victory through the cross redefines the idea of triumph and success? [06:43]

3. How does the sermon contrast the motivations behind Caesar's public acts of generosity with Jesus' teachings on giving? [08:13]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of living a life that may seem obscure but is part of a greater divine narrative? [10:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. How do you perceive your adoption into God's family, and how does it influence your daily decisions and sense of purpose? [04:19]

2. Consider a recent personal or professional success. How can you ensure that your triumphs align with the humility and service exemplified by Jesus? [06:43]

3. Think about a time when you gave or served others. How can you practice giving in secret, as Jesus taught, and what might be the impact on your faith journey? [08:13]

4. Reflect on a moment when you sought recognition or applause. How can you shift your focus from seeking public approval to offering forgiveness and grace, as Jesus did? [09:06]

5. Identify an area in your life where you feel obscure or unnoticed. How can you find assurance in being part of God's greater narrative, and what steps can you take to embrace this perspective? [10:20]

6. How can you apply the lesson of humility from Jesus' life to a current challenge or relationship in your life? [06:43]

7. In what ways can you actively participate in Jesus' triumphal procession through acts of service and humility in your community? [06:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Adoption as Divine Calling
Our adoption into God's family is not merely an act of compassion but a divine calling to fulfill His purpose. Unlike the Roman practice of adoption, which was about securing a legacy, God's adoption is about recognizing our potential and gifts. He calls us to live out His will, even when we feel inadequate, reminding us that our worth is not based on our achievements but on His love and purpose for us. This divine adoption invites us to step into a life of purpose and meaning, knowing that we are chosen and cherished by God. [04:19]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel inadequate in fulfilling God's purpose for your life? How can you embrace your divine adoption and step into the calling He has for you today?


Day 2: Triumph Through Sacrifice
True triumph in Christ is not marked by grand parades or public acclaim but by the humility and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus. While Caesar's victories were celebrated with pomp and circumstance, Jesus' victory was achieved through the cross, disarming powers through His sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are invited to be part of His triumphal procession, living in humility and service, knowing that our true victory lies in following His example of selfless love and sacrifice. [06:43]

Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: How can you embody the triumph of Christ in your daily life through acts of humility and service? What specific action can you take today to reflect His sacrificial love?


Day 3: The Hidden Power of Humility
The power of humility is a profound testimony of faith, as demonstrated by Jesus' teachings on giving in secret. Unlike Caesar, who sought recognition and applause, Jesus taught us to trust that our Heavenly Father sees what is done in private. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about living with the assurance that our worth is found in God's eyes, not in the approval of others. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ, who valued the unseen acts of love and service. [08:13]

Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV): "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you seek recognition from others? How can you practice humility by focusing on God's approval rather than human applause?


Day 4: Legacy in God's Narrative
Our true legacy is not found in public recognition but in the quiet assurance that our lives are part of God's greater narrative. While Caesar sought applause at the end of his life, Jesus offered forgiveness, demonstrating that a legacy of love and grace is far more enduring. We are invited to trust that our seemingly obscure lives are woven into God's divine plan, and that our acts of love and service contribute to His eternal story. [09:06]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking recognition to embracing your role in God's greater narrative? What small act of love or service can you offer today that aligns with His eternal story?


Day 5: Embracing Divine Purpose in Obscurity
Even in obscurity, our lives hold divine purpose, as illustrated by Caesar's decree that unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy leading to Jesus' birth. We are invited to follow Jesus' example of humility and service, trusting that our lives, though seemingly insignificant, are part of a divine plan. By embracing this perspective, we find meaning and purpose in the everyday moments, knowing that God is at work in and through us, even when we cannot see the full picture. [10:05]

Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel your life is obscure or insignificant? How can you embrace the belief that God is using your life for His divine purpose, even in the small and unseen moments?

Quotes


Paul says when the time had fully come, God sent his son born of a woman under the law to redeem those under the law that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, the spirit who calls out Abba Father. [00:02:47]

In the ancient world like in ancient Rome as was the case with Caesar Augustus, adoption was not something that was done in order to have pity on orphans or to help them out. If you wanted to you could take an orphan into your family no problem. You might make them slaves or members of the household. [00:03:31]

Adoption was not done of babies. It was actually done when the head of the household did not have a clear heir and wanted to find somebody who would be able to take care of steward what had mattered most to the potter familia. So Julius Caesar looked around and Caesar Augustus is obviously a man of immense gifts. [00:03:47]

God looks at you. God says I've given you gifts, I've given you abilities, I've given you talents, and now I'm sending my spirit to be with you, so you are my heir. I believe that you will be able to do what it is that I want to accomplish through your life, not through anybody else's life but through yours. [00:04:19]

Caesar says I celebrated two ovations and I was 21 times saluted as imperator. The senate decreed still more triumphs to me all of which I declined. On 55 occasions the senate decreed with thanksgiving should be offered to the immortal gods on account of the successes on land and sea gained by me. [00:04:48]

Now contrast this with the kind of victory that Jesus won, which was not with swords and bows and arrows. Paul says in his letter to the Colossians, and having disarmed the powers and authorities Jesus made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them, not through brutality and war and death but through the cross. [00:06:10]

Thanks be to God who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession. Jesus has won the victory but we don't go around strutting like Caesar, like generals. Paul lived as a slave to Jesus as a captive in everything's getting turned upside down. [00:06:38]

And then Jesus came along and he said now when you give if you're tempted to puff yourself up instead of telling everybody what you do he says when you give don't announce it with trumpets. Now in Rome when people gave they would announce it with trumpets when Caesar did stuff like this. [00:08:08]

Don't let your left hand know what your right hand's doing so that your giving might be in secret. So today if you feel obscure, unknown, unnoticed don't you be discouraged because your heavenly father sees what is done in secret. [00:08:28]

At the end of Caesar Augustus's life, Barbara writes about this in the book, the final statement inscribed to him as he was dying to people was, I have played my part well now give me applause. When Jesus was dying he was mocked and what he said was father forgive them for they don't know what they do. [00:08:45]

Caesar was the ruler of the known world. If you were to ask in all of literature since then what's the mention of Caesar that has been read the most time that has been studied by the most scholar that is the most familiar to the human race and it is a passage written about an act that took place. [00:09:12]

Caesar does that in a little part of the world where he's never been a little man he never knows never know named Joseph goes to a little town that he would never visit named Bethlehem where oh by the way the prophecies were that the messiah would come from, and so the most famous decree that Caesar ever made. [00:09:34]

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Transcript
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