READ: John 1 (Focus vs. 19-28)
MEMORY VERSE
“Among you stands one you do not know. . . . the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:26-27
BACKGROUND
My friend Butch Briggs has been the beloved coach for the swim teams at a local high school for fifty-one years. Out of curiosity, I asked him how many state championships he’d won during his five decades.
In his trademark, gentle tone he quipped, “I’ve not won a single championship because I’ve never swum in a single race.” Trying again, I asked him, “How many championships have your swimmers won?” He happily responded, “Thirty-nine.”
Butch taught me a valuable lesson. A coach plays an important role, but he didn’t want to take credit for what his swimmers accomplished.
Butch’s humility reminds me of how John the Baptist saw his role. John was tasked with pointing people to Jesus as the Messiah—the one who fulfilled God’s promise to send a rescuer. But John garnered so much attention that the religious leaders wanted to find out exactly who he was.
In response, Scripture records that John “confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah’ ” (John 1:20). Even when they pressed him, John was clear that his role was to announce Jesus’ arrival (vv. 21-23). Jesus was the one they’d longed for (v. 27).
This aspect of humility—not taking more credit than is due—is a way we can keep a proper perspective regarding our accomplishments while recognizing others for the assignments or roles they’ve been given.
Lisa M. Samra*
INSIGHT
In John 1:19-28, John the Baptist offers a striking picture of humble leadership.
When questioned by religious authorities, he refuses to elevate himself. He’s not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet they were expecting. Instead, he identifies himself simply as “the voice of one calling in the wilderness” (v. 23), pointing others to the coming Jesus.
John’s leadership is defined by clarity of purpose—he knows who he is and who he isn’t. Rather than seeking recognition, he lowers himself, declaring that he’s unworthy even to untie the sandals of the one coming after him (v. 27).
This posture of humility gives power to his witness. John’s role wasn’t to gather followers for himself, but to prepare the way for Christ. His example invites us to embrace humility and not seek our own recognition but to direct our attention to Jesus.
J.R. Hudberg
APPLICATION
Where might you struggle to display humility? How might the Spirit empower you to act humbly?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“This aspect of humility—not taking more credit than is due—is a way we can keep a proper perspective regarding our accomplishments while recognizing others for the assignments or roles they’ve been given.”
PR’s TAKE*
“He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
“…(as believers we are) to embrace humility and not seek our own recognition but to direct our attention to Jesus.” Today’s Insight – Adapted
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, please grant me grace to act with the humility You so vividly displayed and modeled for us during Your life and death.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LORD MAKE ME HUMBLE” Steve Camp
Lord, make me humble when it seems I’m too proud
Lord, make me silent when You know I’m too loud
Lord, give me patience in everything I do
‘Cause, Lord, I want to be, just like You
Make me forgiving when people are unkind
Let me live Your life instead of living mine
Lord, give me wisdom to know which things are true
‘Cause, Lord, I want to be, just like You
Take me through the fire
I’m tired of being blind
And take away the imperfections
And let this life shine, shine for You
Lord, be my pilot, I don’t want to fly alone
Lord, be the power, to roll away my stone
Lord, give me courage to do what I must do
‘Cause, Lord, I want to be, Lord, I want to be
Lord, I want to be, just like You
Just like You, ooh…
Just like You, ooh…
