A young man came to an evening service in a church. The church was full as a prominent preacher was supposed to speak. In those days, no one had seen him, only heard his name. The usher said that there was only one seat in the front row, but a man with dirty jeans and a jacket was sitting beside that seat. The young man accepted that seat and sat beside the man, who happened to be the popular speaker. The usher did not know he was the guest speaker and also most members sitting there. The Bible teaches humility, and leaders like Moses exemplify that virtue. Paul exhorts believers to have the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5-8) Humility is derived from the Latin word, that means ‘from the earth.’ Though from heaven he tabernacled among mortal sinful men created from dust.
Anonymity: The Lord Jesus Christ live in anonymity for thirty years. When he appeared, he was standing in a queue to be baptized like other sinners. His anonymity and identification with sinners show the humility of the Son of God. By doing so he rejected self-promotion, self-glory, and self-advertisement. Though he possessed everything, he did not show off.
Agenda less: The Lord did not have his agenda. He fulfilled the Father’s agenda. God’s will be to fulfill all righteousness, which was baptism. That means to identify with moral sinners, be one among them, and be baptized by a human, a sinner. The Son of God prioritized God’s agenda and set aside his preferences, desires, and choices as expressed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Autonomy surrendered: From Nazareth, the Lord had to travel for 65 km to John the Baptist to be baptized and identified as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world to the Nation of Israel. It was not John the Baptist who sought the Messiah for whom he was sent to prepare the Way. The Lord was willing to surrender even that privilege, choice, and autonomy.
Am I humble to be anonymous, doing His will and surrendering my Free will?