On the Subject of Humility

Saturday morning, January 19, 2008

This is what Jesus said to His disciples concerning their desire for Him to feed the hungry multitude: “You give them something to eat” (Luke 9:13a). This was there response: “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people” (vs. 13b).

As you remember this “multitude” consisted of 5,000 men, plus women and children, which by anyone’s standards, is quite a crowd to feed, especially when the nearest McDonalds is half-way around the world and not yet under construction! They did suggest that a trip to the local supermarket would be beneficial, but Jesus didn’t seem to be too impressed with their idea; in fact, from what I can see, He completely ignored it! Apparently, He had better, more exciting plans.

In my mind, this is one of those occasions, where Jesus wanted His disciples to get a first-hand look at just how dependent they were upon Him. The truth is by the time they made the trek to the local supermarket, bought the food, returned to the site, cooked it, and, well, you get the point! Even a casual look at the five puny loaves and two soggy fish convinced them of their helplessness. They knew and they knew very well that they could not feed this multitude—period.

You know, as I read this story and meditate upon it, for some reason, the word “humility” comes to my mind. To be sure, these disciples were about as humble as a proud peacock, at least most of the time, but this was not one of those times. The fact is, pride was not a part of this party, and that is for sure—Jesus saw to it. I mean, when you are facing the daunting task of feeding 5,000 hungry men, plus women and children, and all you have is five loaves and two fish, pride is out to lunch, maybe even to supper!

To complicate matters even more, these guys are with Jesus (you know, the creator of the universe) and He is the one who is telling them to get off their duffs and use whatever they have to feed the multitude, while He apparently wanders off to have a quiet time. Again, I can only imagine that these guys were practicing humility, the kind of humility that makes one well-aware of his lack of resources!

Now, you might be wondering why I (of all people) would be commenting on the subject of “humility” when humility is not one of the first things you would notice about me (probably, not even the second or third), and if you are, here is the answer: Although I might not project humility, I am well-aware of my dependence upon Him, specifically that I will not make it through the day, much less Home, without Him. You see, I do not equate humility with passivity or compliance or tameness, even meekness; instead, I believe humility is recognizing and accepting my absolute dependence upon Him, and doing so in the light of His holiness.

Whether or not I like it, this is where He has me living: I am well-aware that the meager resources I have can contribute nothing to His “you feed them” directive to me. Trust me on this: if He doesn’t come through for me, as He did for the twelve in our text, I will not make it, and I know it very well.

This is what God said: “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble of spirit, and who trembles at my Word” (Isaiah 66:2b).

At least, you cannot say that I did not tell you!