Read the Book: Fall Bible Planনমুনা

Humble Clarity

Matthew 11

As we read Matthew 11, we find Jesus traveling throughout Galilee and teaching. While in prison, John the Baptist heard about Jesus’ ministry and sent word, asking, “Are you the One or should we expect another?” Jesus answers John that He is indeed the promised Messiah. This confession is not met with joy by everyone, as there were others who could only see Jesus as an impostor and a threat.

You see, the tragedy of the human heart is that it renders us spiritually numb and foolish toward the things of God. This can occur even when confronted by the power of God’s Word and in circumstances God so clearly orchestrates in our lives. This is why Jesus uses harsh warnings to try to “wake up” the religious leaders from their hard-hearted slumber.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus not only affirms to John that He is the Messiah but He also affirms John! God used John to be a forerunner of the ministry of Jesus. But what was it about John that made him so special?

The answer is captured by the words of John himself when he said, “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30). The key to seeing Jesus for who He really is—to take part in His redemptive mission for the world—is spiritually-birthed humility.

Holy Spirit, help us to see You as You are and not as a more powerful version of ourselves. Please do what is needed in and around me to cultivate a life of true humility. Amen.

Family connection: As a family, read John 3:30. Get a cup of juice, representing our sin, and a pitcher of water, representing God. Pour the water into the cup so that the cup is overflowing (do so over the sink). What is happening? As God increases in our life, our sin decreases. Keep pouring water into the cup until it is clear. The more He increases, the more we look like Him.