As followers of Jesus, we need to strive for the goal of being a humble servant. Perhaps the Lord is working in your heart today, refining you into the humble servant that He desires. John the Baptist was a humble servant who prepared the way for the greatest servant, Jesus. John’s outward appearance of simple clothing and the food he ate were part of his humble life. Mark 1:6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. [1]
John the Baptist’s Humility Drew People to Him
The religious leaders who were contemporaries of John the Baptist looked good on the outside with their fine robes. John the Baptist did not have fine clothes, but he had a calling from the Lord. His calling was to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. John’s calling began with his relationship with the Lord before he was born. Luke 1:15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.[2] The profound humility of John the Baptist must have deeply moved the people that heard him speak.
A Humble John the Baptist Pointed to Jesus
John the Baptist had a powerful message of repentance that changed people’s hearts. John’s message was all about preparing people’s hearts for Jesus. As John the Baptist prepared the way, he gave insight into Jesus. I believe this type of humility was instrumental in leading people to repentance. John’s message always pointed to Jesus. Mark 1:7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. [3]
Humility is the Cure for Pride
The humility of John the Baptist is a beautiful role model for us all. In contrast, pride can be a huge stumbling block to growing in faith. Perhaps this is where you are today. Many people miss great blessings the Lord wants to give them because of pride. While many people humbled themselves and repented as they heard John’s message, others did not.
The Bible reminds us of the importance of humility, and that is why we need to cultivate the attitude of a servant and be kind to everyone. Seek to stay humble before God. Cry out for His wisdom and be sensitive to His Spirit. He has much more to reveal to you as you humble yourself before Him.
To hear more about being a humble servant, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-1-make-room-for-jesus
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
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