The humility of Christ

John 1:24-28 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Jesus wasn’t one to draw attention to Himself. The Pharisees, priests, Levites, and Jews did not know that Jesus was greater than John the Baptist. They were proud of themselves for being in the know. If anyone was somebody of religious, spiritual, and social significance, they must surely have their approval and attention. That’s why the Pharisees sent the priests and Levites to question John about who he thought himself to be. He was making a stir, and they had to know everything about him to maintain control. But John surely unsettled them with this statement about Jesus that He was among them, in their midst, but they didn’t know Him. Even more unsettling was the fact that John did know Him and considered Him to be so far above himself in significance that even a servant who untied His sandals was far more worthy of honor than John. And John wasn’t insignificant. He was becoming a celebrity among the common people. We may be encouraged by the humility of Jesus. The fulness of God was standing in their midst in complete submission to the Father, waiting for His time to reveal the Father—waiting 30 years. We are encouraged to walk in Jesus’ humility if He is life to us. We don’t need attention, glory, or fame from men. We simply need to wait upon our Father to reveal His Son in us, in His timing, wherever He leads us. Love flows out of humility, or maybe it’s humility that flows out of love. Hm. I’m not sure which is the truth. Perhaps both are true. Nevertheless, today, let’s walk in humility, not seeking the glory of men, but humbly walking in this world with Jesus to love whoever, whenever, wherever He desires. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.