13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. Matthew 3:13-15
Jesus Christ demonstrated humility from start to finish, in his teachings and exercise of authority given to him by God. His definition of humility is this: “… unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as … little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3-5 Humility is the nature of God and conversion is how you get there. John the Baptist was humbled when Jesus (the Messiah) came to him for baptism. “I need to be baptized by you” he said. But Jesus answered, we must do this to fulfill “all” righteousness. Both men preferred one another, but above all else, committed to fulfill all the righteousness of God. The end goal, as He said, is to become one of the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. There are four points we can focus on from the words of Jesus on this subject: Humility, conversion, fulfillment, and righteousness.
Today we are talking about Humility and Conversion. This is the focal point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot over emphasize Conversion in the ministry of Jesus Christ because this is the mystery of the Gospel. Col. 1:25-26 it is about the nature of God and to be converted is the only way. This is the reason why Jesus was born, died, resurrected, ascended to heaven to prepare a place for you and me. John 14:1-4 Consider the following points about conversion.
- Jesus Christ use the following words to explain conversion: Repent, believe and be born again. “… the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15 Repentance is a change of heart towards God. When you repent to believe the gospel, conversion follows. “… Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 God offers everyone conversion like a gift. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Becoming as humble as little children is to be born again or to be converted. The process is no harder or simpler than to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ today and be saved or converted. Then you have access to be one of the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.
- Conversion is the right to the way, life, and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A right to fulfil all righteousness with humility as Jesus did. You now have the authority of sonship to live with the nature of God and with the hope of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 For as many as received him, (Jesus Christ) to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
- Conversion gives us divine vision, focus and purpose. Remember Jesus said, the humble will be the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And again, he said. “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33-34 Therefore, we must follow the example of Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 If anyone serves Me, Jesus said, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26
Humility is the result of our conversion. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have died; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 We now put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 Humility impacts every aspect of our lives for physical and spiritual fulfilment. For example, In Marriage relationship, humility on both sides will make divorce a non-starter. Friendship, government, institutions, and businesses work better with humble and faithful people. Imagine the scientific queuing system at the traffic lights, pride will jump the que or run the red light, but humility will stay the course and do the right thing. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Romans 12:10 Haters and murderers are high-minded but the humble preserve life and inherits the kingdom of Heaven. Doing the right thing is humility, it is the nature of God. Humble yourselves therefore in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10 God hears the prayers of the humble and decries that of the proud, He resists the proud but gives grace unto the humble. James 4:6 We shall continue from here next week. God bless you.