7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
Humility Supports Greatness
John the Baptist was a great man. He is known in the New Testament era as much as Paul or John or the other Gospel writers. Yet, he lived in the desert, wore unusual clothes and had unique eating habits. Jesus, however, is greater. This is the point John the Baptist is making in the above verse. In order to great in the kingdom of God, you must know the position you have in that kingdom. Note the following:
Luke 9:48 (ESV Strong's)
48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Matthew 20:20-28 (ESV Strong's)
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If we want to be great in the Kingdom, we must be servants of all. We are unworthy even to untie the shoes of Jesus. He use increase, I must decrease. That is humility.
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