Holy Humility

Is there such thing as holy arrogance? Following a very personal time with Jesus in the Upper Room, Jesus is talking to the disciples about how they are going to be afraid and scatter even to the point of denying they even knew Him. Peter speaks up and says that this is not going to happen. Look with me in Matthew 26:31-35
³¹ Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ ³² But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” ³³ Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” ³⁴ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ³⁵ But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Peter is essentially speaking for all of the disciples. He is always the first one to put his foot in his mouth. I would describe that as arrogance. Webster defines arrogance as, “intolerable presumption, overbearing manner, and insolent pride.” I think that pretty much sums it up. Peter and the disciples were telling Jesus that they knew better. Granted, they really meant what they said. They were so in love with Jesus that they were willing to die with Him. But Jesus was in such a close relationship with the Father, the Father revealed to Him that they would scatter.

The next verses lead us to Gethsemane where Jesus prays so intently that drops of blood fall from His face (Matthew 26:36-46). One of the purposes could have been to show that even though the disciples were willing didn’t mean they could fulfill their desire. The disciples were asked to stay and keep watch with Him. Three times Jesus returned and the disciples were sleeping. He asked, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” Then he said to Peter, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

You have heard the following phrase many times, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” It hit me today that we are to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. We are not to live in arrogance but in humility. Yes, a holy humility. Paul tells us in Romans 8:5, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

The disciples were living and struggling in themselves because they were pre-Spirit times. The Holy Spirit had not yet been deposited. Now we are living in post-Spirit times. Jesus has died on the Cross for our sins, has risen from the dead, has ascended to heaven, and has sent us His Holy Spirit to indwell us. It is during weeks like this that we are reminded of the struggle of living in this world but are quickly reminded of the power of His resurrection that lives within us. I am getting excited just writing this.

I have an idea! Why not come to our Upper Room experience and walk through this week with a new awareness of what Jesus went through so you could have victory through His Spirit? Come to the church any time between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2. There will be 20-minute intervals of reflection in the sanctuary. You will come and experience a taste of what it was like on the night before Jesus was crucified on Good Friday.

Continue to journey through this week by seeking the Lord with all of your heart. Plan to come on Sunday for a powerful service as we worship God in all of His glory. Remember to invite someone to attend with you. Services are at 8:30 and 10:45 with breakfast at 9:30.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org