INTRODUCTION
LinkedIn tells us to 'build our personal brand.' Instagram pushes us to 'grow our following.' TikTok promises to help us 'go viral.' Even our resumes are supposed to be 'search engine optimized.' In a world screaming at us to promote ourselves, what if everything we've been taught about success is completely backwards? What if the path to genuine influence requires becoming less rather than more?
Consider John the Baptist - he would have made a terrible social media influencer. His clothes were wrong, his diet was strange, and his message was uncomfortable. He had no interest in building his personal brand. Yet somehow, he moved an entire nation. Through his story in Matthew 3:1-12 and John 3:30, we discover something profound about our own struggle with humility.
This morning, as we explore John the Baptist's ministry, we'll uncover three fundamental reasons why humility remains such a struggle for us - and why that struggle might be exactly what we need to hear the call of God to pursue humility in our daily lives.
THREE REASONS
WE DESIRE RECOGNITION (3:1-6)
Matthew introduces us to John the Baptist, a figure who commanded significant attention. His distinctive appearance, powerful message, and wilderness location drew crowds from Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region of the Jordan. He had what we might today call a strong "platform" - visibility, influence, and a growing following. Yet what's remarkable isn't just the recognition John received, but how he handled it.
In an age where influence is often leveraged for personal gain, John's response to recognition stands in stark contrast. He used his platform not to elevate himself but to point people toward repentance and the coming kingdom. His distinctive lifestyle wasn't a personal brand but a prophetic message. His growing influence became a means of preparing the way for Another. John shows us that true humility isn't about avoiding recognition but redirecting it to what truly matters.
WE VALUE REPUTATION (3:7-10)
When the Pharisees and Sadducees appear, John confronts another aspect of our struggle with humility: our attachment to reputation. These religious leaders came confident in their heritage, declaring "We have Abraham as our father." They had built their identity on their religious status, their spiritual pedigree, and their perceived righteousness. Their reputation had become their security.
John's fierce response cuts through their pride with surgical precision. He demands fruit worthy of repentance, showing that genuine humility cares more about authentic transformation than maintaining appearances. Their reliance on reputation had become a barrier to true repentance. We face the same temptation today - protecting our carefully constructed images rather than embracing the vulnerability of genuine change.
WE FEAR REDUCTION (3:11-12; John 3:30)
In the final section, John reveals perhaps our deepest struggle with humility: the fear of reduction. When speaking about the coming Messiah, John willingly embraces a lesser role. He acknowledges that he baptizes with water, but One more powerful is coming. He declares himself unworthy even to carry this Coming One's sandals. Later, as John 3:30 records it, he says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” Far from being diminished by this admission, John finds freedom in knowing and accepting his place in God's story.
This fear of reduction often paralyzes us. We resist taking supporting roles. We struggle when others advance beyond us. We fight against any decrease in our perceived importance. Yet John shows us that true humility finds liberation in embracing our proper place in God's grand narrative. There's freedom in knowing we don't have to be the main character in every story.
CONCLUSION
Through John's ministry, we see that our struggle with humility often stems from seeking recognition, protecting reputation, and fearing reduction. The gospel meets each of these struggles. In Christ, we find our deepest need for recognition met in being known by God. Our reputation becomes secure in His righteousness rather than our religious performance. And our fear of reduction is answered in the One who willingly reduced Himself for us, showing that the way up is down. In other words, "Our struggle with humility is really our call to humility."
Small Group Discussion or Personal Reflection Questions
John the Baptist had a significant platform and following, yet used it to point others to Christ. Think about your own spheres of influence (work, social media, family, church, community). How are you currently using your influence? In what ways might you be seeking recognition for yourself rather than redirecting attention to Christ?
The Pharisees and Sadducees relied on their religious heritage and status. What aspects of your identity or background do you tend to lean on for security or superiority? How might these "credentials" be hindering genuine spiritual transformation in your life?
John was content with becoming less as Jesus became greater. What makes it difficult for you to take a "lesser" role or celebrate when others advance beyond you? How might embracing "reduction" actually lead to greater freedom in your life?
Looking at these three struggles (recognition, reputation, reduction), which one most affects your relationships with others? How might your relationships change if you were able to overcome this particular struggle with humility?
John's humility flowed from his clear understanding of who he was in relation to Christ. How might a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ help you overcome your biggest struggle with humility? What is one practical step you can take this week to grow in this area?