I know what arrogance is and I know I don’t like it when I allow arrogance in my speech or body language. I work hard in my life to rid myself of all arrogance in my talk and walk.  I cannot do this by myself.  God’s Holy Spirit must help me daily.  Arrogance does not fit in the believer’s life and is not one of God’s fruits of His Holy Spirit.  Arrogance is not who Jesus is and should not be a part of who we are in Him.  Arrogance comes into direct competition with humility, one of God’s requirements in our walk with Him as written by the prophet Micah, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  (Micah 6:8, NIV)

We cannot hope to bring others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Hope of the World with a “know it all” heart if we want to be like Jesus in His way of bringing people to Himself.  Jesus came to serve, not to be served.  He served driven by love and compassion as the foundation of every miracle that changed lives but was done ultimately for the purpose to bring glory, honor and praise to God, His Father and also Our Father.  Not to Himself directly.  “I do what the Father tells me to do” Jesus reminds the people throughout the gospel writings.  God sent Jesus to seek and to save lost people.  People came in droves.

This passage of Matthew dips back to the prophet Isaiah who describes Jesus Christ as God’s Chosen Servant.  Look at all the characteristics, as written by God through this prophet many centuries before Christ came to earth!  Arrogance is not found in Jesus, only hope as a Servant with Humility.  If I want to truly be like Jesus, all arrogance must be deleted. I must be reprogrammed with humility, mercy, with fairness to others.  I must serve as Jesus served to please God and bring Him all glory, honor and praise.  That’s is all that matters. Our new birth with a new attitude is what will bring others to Jesus through our acts of humble service.

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 12:15-21, NIV

Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant

¹⁵ But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, ¹⁶ but he warned them not to reveal who he was. ¹⁷ This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

¹⁸ “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
    He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not fight or shout
    or raise his voice in public.
²⁰ He will not crush the weakest reed
    or put out a flickering candle.
    Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
²¹ And his name will be the hope
    of all the world.”

Abba Father,

People followed Your Chosen Servant, Your Son, because of Your character in Him as an example for us to live.  Thank you for reminding us that the drama of fighting, shouting at each other to get people to come to you is not your way.  Being arrogant in our walk just does not fit.  Being as if we are more “spiritual” than others is certainly not the goal of living either!  “All have sinned and fall short of your glory” as Paul reminds us.  No one has all the answers.  No one is righteous but You.  So, I humble myself before you, desiring what YOU want for my life.  Show me your path, your ways and your will for I am your servant.  One day at a time.

In Jesus Name, Amen