BATTLE OF HUMILITY

READ: Matthew 3:13-17

ANSWER THIS: What would you say is your best trait or one that you're most proud of?

THE BREAKDOWN

It was Jesus’ coming out party. His inauguration. An initiation ceremony that would identify Jesus as the one who would tell and show people how to restore their broken relationship with God. His life would no longer be kept in relative privacy.

Yet, in stark contrast to the importance of the event, it was a battle of humility. Rather than political posturing for who would be 'the greatest', John and Jesus jockeyed for who would be 'the least'.

John, whom Jesus called “the greatest among those born of women,” questions why he would baptize Jesus- and not the other way around. And Jesus, arguably the greatest historical figure of all time, says it had to be that way. Remember? An angel appeared to John’s father, Zechariah, and told him it was his son who would point people to the Savior of the world (see Day 1).

So, John consents to Jesus’ request and baptizes Him. And then, afterward, Jesus receives a benediction. But, it was no ordinary benediction.

A benediction is a blessing that comes at the end of a religious service. And boy, did Jesus receive a blessing. When John lifts Jesus out of the water, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in the form of a dove, and an audible voice from Heaven is heard saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

If there were any doubts that Jesus was the one whom God had chosen to deliver a message of hope to the world, there could be none now.

It was an inauguration day that no one would forget.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

To most Americans, the name William Henry Harrison doesn’t ring a bell.

Yet, Harrison had a number of things to be remembered for. One, he was the 9th U.S. president. Two, he gave the longest inaugural address of a newly elected president ever. And, three, he served the shortest presidential term in American history—30 days.

At his inauguration, Harrison gave an address that lasted almost two hours. Wearing neither hat nor coat, he pridefully held his audience captive and droned on and on for an hour and forty-five minutes in a March snowstorm. Thirty days later he died from pneumonia and set another record: He was the first president to die while in office.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

Take a couple of cues from the inauguration of Jesus: In humility, acknowledge the authority of others. And, if given the opportunity to lead, be known for serving others, rather than demanding that others serve you.

PRAYER

“Lord, it’s difficult not to feel prideful when I’m given a leadership role. Help me to keep Jesus’ humble attitude in mind when I excel at something, or when I’m given authority over others.”