Topical Bible: Humility: John the Baptist

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John the Baptist stands as a profound example of humility in the biblical narrative. His life and ministry are marked by a deep sense of purpose and a clear understanding of his role in God's redemptive plan. John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was a prophetic figure who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. His humility is evident in his actions, words, and the way he conducted his ministry.

Prophetic Calling and Ministry

John's birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, who announced to Zechariah that his son would be "great in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:15). Despite this divine endorsement, John consistently pointed away from himself and towards the One who was to come after him. His ministry was characterized by a call to repentance and baptism, preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus.

Recognition of Jesus' Supremacy

John's humility is most clearly demonstrated in his recognition of Jesus' supremacy. When questioned about his identity, John emphatically denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet (John 1:20-21). Instead, he identified himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'" (John 1:23), quoting the prophet Isaiah. This self-identification underscores his role as a forerunner, not the focal point of God's plan.

John's declaration, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30), encapsulates his humble attitude. He understood that his purpose was to direct attention to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). John's willingness to step aside as Jesus' ministry began to flourish is a testament to his selflessness and devotion to God's will.

Baptism of Jesus

The baptism of Jesus by John is another significant moment that highlights John's humility. Despite feeling unworthy, as he expressed, "I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" (Matthew 3:14), John obeyed Jesus' request to baptize Him. This act of submission to Jesus' authority and the fulfillment of righteousness (Matthew 3:15) further illustrates John's humble spirit.

Lifestyle and Conduct

John's lifestyle also reflected his humility. He lived a life of simplicity and austerity, wearing clothing made of camel's hair and subsisting on locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). His choice to live in the wilderness, away from the centers of power and influence, demonstrated his commitment to his prophetic mission and his detachment from worldly concerns.

Testimony to Jesus

John's testimony about Jesus is marked by a profound reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature. He proclaimed, "I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1:34). His role as a witness to the light (John 1:7-8) was fulfilled with integrity and humility, as he consistently directed his followers to Jesus, even when it meant losing his own disciples to the growing ministry of Christ (John 1:35-37).

In summary, John the Baptist's life and ministry provide a compelling portrait of humility. His unwavering focus on Jesus, his willingness to decrease in prominence, and his simple lifestyle all serve as enduring examples of a humble servant dedicated to the glory of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 1:7
And preached, saying, There comes one mightier than I after me, the lace of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
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Luke 3:16
John answered, saying to them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the lace of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
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Library

On the Nativity of John the Baptist the First Sermon
... Of the spiritual Birth of Divine Grace in man from the ground of humility and the ...
To-day we read of and celebrate the birthday of Saint John the Baptist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon x on the nativity.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... The Spirit of Meekness"The Greatness of Humility. While John's disciples were standing
there, our Lord said ... THE LORD'S COMMENDATION OF THE BAPTIST."It was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm

Observations on the Words of John the Baptist John I. ...
... Incarnation; sometimes, on the other hand, to start from its humility, and rise ... John
Baptist also taught in less weighty language what ideas they were he had ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x observations on the.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... to the temperance of the Baptist, compare the ... understand and appreciate her
bridegroom"John 3:28 ... through mingled feelings of modesty, humility, devotion, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

John the Baptist
... to claim to be but a voice, nor was it mock humility. ... than he, but it was not the
thought of John's day ... The wonder is that the Baptist so far freed himself from ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/vi john the baptist.htm

On the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist
... Now St John the Baptist said, that he was ... Therefore, when a man finds himself in
this storm of love, he must not think of his senses, or of humility, or of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xi on the feast.htm

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... At the first glance, such a fact surprises us in John the Baptist, and we are tempted
to call it in question. Humility has never been a feature of strong ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... directly to the ministry of the Baptist; for it ... By inducing repentance, John was
to prepare the people ... thereby brought to meekness and humility; the outcasts ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... John the Baptist was two years old when it happened, and ... When John was grown-up he
came there once in secret ... why I do not know, whether from humility or because ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Humility.
... clothed with meekness and humility, and see what a contrast is your position before
God and man. One of the meekest characters in history was John the Baptist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/humility.htm