Humility

Pete Kersker - Oct 22, 2025

Jesus involved his disciples (students) in ministry (service), giving them opportunities to serve (minister). We saw yesterday that these acts of service (ministry) were used to build their faith. Sometimes, though, it is clear that Jesus is also teaching them to remain humble as he builds up their faith in him.

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down (Matthew 14:28-32 NIV).

Simon Peter's faith was built up when Jesus gave him and his companions a miraculous catch of fish. Jesus built his faith stronger as he gave Peter the ability to walk on water. Simon was quickly humbled, though, when he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. When we are low, Jesus builds us up. When we become proud, Jesus brings us back down to where we should be: following Jesus as our Lord.

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3 NIV).

Jesus' disciples (students) often served (ministered) in humbling ways. The women in the passage above, for instance, supported Jesus and the twelve financially out of their own means so Jesus could serve others with teaching and healing. The twelve, we are told, would go get the food (John 4:8), prepare the dinner table (and maybe the food) (Luke 22:12), and pay the bills (Matthew 17:27). These tasks all had the ability to build their faith and humble them. Those who served with humility grew stronger in their walk with the Lord.

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it (John 12:3-6 NIV).

Do you serve (minister) with humility as Jesus calls?
How has this strengthened your walk with our Lord?