Grasshoppers, Greatness, and God's KingdomSample

Sacred Sandals

“30 years later” in white letters fades in and then out, overlaying a picturesque scene of the Judean countryside where brown is the primary color accented by splotches of green. John is now a grown man with long hair and lots of words to say. Some religious leaders are interrogating him, attempting to understand who he is and what his intentions are. It seems that these men expect John to claim that he is someone great, someone who wields all kinds of authority and power, perhaps even the “Chosen One” promised long ago. But, John “confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’” In this passage, John consistently acknowledges his insignificance. He illustrates his own insignificance by talking about the coming Messiah (Christ) saying “He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” This man who was great in God’s eyes was pretty insignificant in his own eyes. In this text we discover that in God’s kingdom, true greatness is found in recognizing your insignificance.

Reflection:

• When are you most tempted to portray yourself as someone you’re not? (Verse 20)
• How does your view of Jesus impact your view of yourself? (Verse 27)
• What emotions do you experience when you consider the fact that Jesus “takes away the sin of the world?” (Verse 29)