Humility in the work of God (John)

Humility in the work of God

John the Baptist's humility in the service of glorifying God.

The Story of John?

Nah… of Christ!

John 1:6–8 “There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.”

He confirms that he was not Christ at all.

The Pharisees asked him

Who are you?

John 1:20 “And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.””

He denies that he is Christ

Are you Elijah?

John 1:21 “They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.”

Denys again that he is not Elijah

Are you the Prophet?

John 1:21 “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.””

Denys that he is the prophet

Instead, he connects himself with Isaiah 40

Isaiah 40:3 “A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”

Used more like a metaphor explaining he was making roads and paths so that the greater one would walk on.

Jesus affirms that John was Elijah in Mat 11:14 he affirms with scripture about prophecy of the messenger being sent.

Matthew 11:14 ““And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.”

Another clue in the Old Testament is Malachi 4:5

Malachi 4:5 ““Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.”

John the Baptist did not want to consider himself highly because if he did it could be that the story in Luke 14:7-31 where a guest sat at the wrong chair and moved out of the position of the chair he did not deserve.

Main idea of this story:

The point being is that John was telling the truth first and foremost and being humble when they ask his position which he replies with a redirection pointing out Christ the savior. He had one mission, and it was to pave a pathway to Christ not to himself.

Quote:

"The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is." -Someone

Jest:

No matter the position we are we must not think of ourselves and start thinking God is at the center of salvation, not any disciples or high person.