Marks of a Humble Man
John 3:22-30
John the Baptist is a remarkable man and one of my favorite characters in the Bible. How could you not revere a man to whom Jesus praised, "among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist"? We ought to ask then, "What made John the Baptist so great?" The simple answer that I can give to you now is this: John the Baptist was humble. In this short section that follows Jesus' teachings on regeneration, we have a short depiction of John the Baptist's amazing humility. It would do us great good to study and dwell on John the Baptist's display of humility. John the Baptist models for us in our text three marks of a humble man.
John 3:22-30
John the Baptist is a remarkable man and one of my favorite characters in the Bible. How could you not revere a man to whom Jesus praised, "among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist"? We ought to ask then, "What made John the Baptist so great?" The simple answer that I can give to you now is this: John the Baptist was humble. In this short section that follows Jesus' teachings on regeneration, we have a short depiction of John the Baptist's amazing humility. It would do us great good to study and dwell on John the Baptist's display of humility. John the Baptist models for us in our text three marks of a humble man.
A humble man does theology - John's disciple approach him with the issue of Jesus' growing ministry. How does John answer this concern of his disciples? "A man cannot receive anything unless it is given him from heaven." The interesting thing about this answer is that it is deeply theological. It was a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty. Even vs. 29 is deeply theological (John alludes to OT imagery of God and His bride). From this, I conclude that the reason why John was humble was because he studied the great science of the deity. He had a clear portrait of God through his diligent study of God's revelation: His Word. The more we come face to face with the living God, the more we realize the great gulf between God and man, but the more we neglect the study of God, the more we'll see ourselves in light of our own achievements. A shallow understanding of God Almighty does not promote humility but rather pride.
A humble man lives with integrity - A humble man does only speak humble words; he lives with integrity. John never claimed to be anything greater than what he was: a messenger. He was able to point back to his ministry in his defense. He could say, "You yourselves are my witnesses that I said..." Those who feign humility do not usually have a track record of faithfulness and integrity. They usually make excuses when they are confronted. For John, no excuse was necessary because of his exemplary life. Humble people live in such a way.
A Humble man rejoices - Look at John's words in verse 29: "So this joy of mine has been made full!" What a statement! Truly humble people rejoice when others are lifted up, and that is exceptionally the case for believers who rejoice greatly at the exaltation of Jesus Christ. John illustrates this wonderfully by making an analogy of the bride, bridegroom, and the friend of the bridegroom. The friend is not jealous or angry. No better words can be used to describe his state than to say that He is happy! Humble people are happy people. To find a humble person who does not rejoice is like finding a dead man's body. It looks real and human, but all it's life has been drained out of him.
John Seldon, an English jurist, once wrote, "Humility is a virtue all men preach, none practice, and yet everybody is content to hear." We must ask ourselves whether we are simply content with hearing of humility or living humbly as we look upon a majestic and awesome God. Will you live with integrity knowing your call and place as a Christian? Will you rejoice along with the saints above and below as you celebrate the glories of Christ? That is up to you. I pray you'll walk this road of humility. For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Stay strong and God bless!
A humble man lives with integrity - A humble man does only speak humble words; he lives with integrity. John never claimed to be anything greater than what he was: a messenger. He was able to point back to his ministry in his defense. He could say, "You yourselves are my witnesses that I said..." Those who feign humility do not usually have a track record of faithfulness and integrity. They usually make excuses when they are confronted. For John, no excuse was necessary because of his exemplary life. Humble people live in such a way.
A Humble man rejoices - Look at John's words in verse 29: "So this joy of mine has been made full!" What a statement! Truly humble people rejoice when others are lifted up, and that is exceptionally the case for believers who rejoice greatly at the exaltation of Jesus Christ. John illustrates this wonderfully by making an analogy of the bride, bridegroom, and the friend of the bridegroom. The friend is not jealous or angry. No better words can be used to describe his state than to say that He is happy! Humble people are happy people. To find a humble person who does not rejoice is like finding a dead man's body. It looks real and human, but all it's life has been drained out of him.
John Seldon, an English jurist, once wrote, "Humility is a virtue all men preach, none practice, and yet everybody is content to hear." We must ask ourselves whether we are simply content with hearing of humility or living humbly as we look upon a majestic and awesome God. Will you live with integrity knowing your call and place as a Christian? Will you rejoice along with the saints above and below as you celebrate the glories of Christ? That is up to you. I pray you'll walk this road of humility. For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Stay strong and God bless!
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