There’s an important character in the Bible called John the Baptist. He’s not “the Baptist” because be belonged to any Baptist denomination or church. He was called “Baptist” because his ministry was to baptize people.

He was Jesus’ cousin. He was also a prophet. His job was to prepare the crowds for Jesus. People would listen to him preach. If they wanted to repent (turn away from their sin) and get ready to receive Jesus, John would baptize them in the river.

He knew his role, and he did it well–Humbly point to Jesus.

John said he wasn’t worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals. Jesus said John was the greatest human to ever live. John said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” His greatness is his understanding of his place–that Jesus is greater.

That’s humility, my friends.

If JTB is one of your favorite Bible characters, chances are we’ve got some things in common. Because it probably means that you’ve spent some time and pain wrestling with your ego, and have found some relief in getting it pointed in a Jesus-ish direction.