The Humble Places

Dec 7, 2024

steve ellis | December 2024

series resources (free)

Recap

Last week, we began our Making Room series by reflecting on John the Baptist’s call to "prepare the way for the Lord" (Luke 3:4, NIV). We talked about clearing the clutter from our lives—removing distractions, doubts, and pride to make space for Jesus. The key takeaway was this: We cannot fully welcome Jesus if our lives if our lives are crowded with clutter.

This week, we continue preparing by focusing on a surprising truth: We find Jesus in the humble place.

Searching for Greatness

In our world, we’re conditioned to believe that greatness is found at the top. We work tirelessly to climb the ladder, striving for success, status, and recognition. We chase after bigger homes, better jobs, and more impressive accomplishments. But even as we accumulate achievements, many of us still feel empty.

We monitor our social media likes, follows, impressions, and reactions closely. We do this because we believe we will find significance and validation in them.

But even with all the striving, many of us feel unsettled and exhausted by the race for more. We wonder why, with so much effort, peace still seems elusive. Could it be that we’ve been looking for significance in all the wrong places?

We play the comparison game. We measure ourselves against others and feel like we’re always coming up short. Their success feels like a reminder of our inadequacy. We chase after what others have—status, wealth, approval, the luxury vacation—believing that if we could just get there, we’d feel whole. But comparison only leaves us exhausted and dissatisfied, pulling us further from what truly matters.

Why? Because we search for significance in the wrong places.

The holiday season only amplifies this pursuit. We overextend ourselves, fill our schedules, and try to craft the perfect Christmas experience. But what if true joy isn’t found in bigger, better, or more? What if it’s found somewhere quieter, simpler, and more profound?

Born in the Humble Place

The birth of Jesus turns everything we think about greatness upside down. The King of Kings wasn’t born in a palace but in a stable, laid in a manger—an animal’s feeding trough. Luke tells us:

“She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

(Luke 2:7, NIV)

A manger. The humblest of beginnings for the Savior of the world. And who were His first visitors? Shepherds—ordinary, overlooked laborers.

This was no accident. God was showing us that He doesn’t meet us in places of power and prestige. He meets us in humble places. He comes to the overlooked, the broken, the ordinary. This echoes the prophet Micah’s words:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”

(Micah 5:2, NIV)

By worldly standards, Bethlehem was small and insignificant, but it became the birthplace of the greatest King. God’s kingdom doesn’t operate by the world’s rules. Greatness, in His eyes, is found in humility.

Finding Jesus in the Humble Place

If Jesus came in humility, where are we looking for Him today? Are we searching in the noise of busyness, the pursuit of success, or the striving for recognition?

The truth is, we find Jesus in the humble place. He meets us in the quiet moments, the simple acts of service, the unassuming corners of our lives.

Here’s the main point: To encounter Jesus, we must seek Him in humility.

This week, let’s intentionally create space to meet Jesus in the humble places of our lives. Here are three practical steps to help us:

Embrace Stillness and Simplicity

Find a quiet moment each day—a “humble place” where you can meet with the Lord. It could be a quiet corner of your home, a walk outside, or a moment of stillness before bed. Let go of the need to achieve or accomplish and simply be with Him.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

(Psalm 46:10, NIV)

Serve Without Recognition

Look for opportunities to serve in simple, unnoticed ways. It could be doing something kind for a family member, neighbor, or coworker without seeking acknowledgment. Remember, the most meaningful acts often go unseen by the world but never by God.

“The greatest among you will be your servant.”

(Matthew 23:11, NIV)

Let Go of Comparison

Take a break from comparing yourself to others. If social media fuels that comparison, step away for a few days. Instead, focus on gratitude. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for, recognizing the Lord’s presence in the ordinary.

“Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.”

(Romans 12:16, NIV)

A New Way to See Greatness

Imagine if we all chose humility this week. What if we stopped striving for recognition and instead focused on finding Jesus in the humble places? What if we slowed down, served quietly, and embraced the simplicity of His presence?

As we continue our journey of Making Room, remember that the King didn’t come to us in grandeur but in humility. The most significant historical event happened in a stable, in the most ordinary places.

This week, let’s clear space in our hearts to meet Jesus—not in the noise of achievement but in the quiet of humility. We find Jesus in the humble place. Will you make room for Him?