Whoever Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted

“The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12

On December 23, 1783, George Washington entered the Maryland State House in Annapolis, where the Continental Congress was assembled. He led the army that had recently secured American independence, and earlier that year, some of his officers had considered using that very army to pressure Congress. Washington delivered a brief speech, then returned his commission to the men who had entrusted it to him. He thereafter rode back to Mount Vernon, arriving on Christmas Eve. Benjamin West later recounted telling King George III that Washington intended to go back to his farm, to which the king reportedly replied that if Washington did so, he would be the greatest man in the world.

We understand something meaningful in that moment: a man held authority and then relinquished it. Scripture extends this idea further, depicting leaders who serve under God’s authority, those who exploit God’s people for personal gain, and God, who elevates the humble in His perfect timing. They also direct us to Jesus, a Leader who humbled Himself more than anyone else ever could. Keep this question in mind as you read the passages: When you lead, who do you lift up?

Joshua 3:7-17 highlights who exalts. The LORD tells Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses” (3:7). Joshua’s honor is the gift that signifies God’s presence. Observe leadership on the Jordan’s banks: priests carry the ark of the covenant into floodwaters overflowing the riverbanks, yet they stand dry in the middle of the riverbed until the entire nation crosses (3:15-17). They go first and remain. Joshua’s name means “the LORD saves,” and the Greek version is Jesus.

Psalm 43 emphasizes that before leading others, one must first be led. The psalmist prays, “Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place” (43:3). He speaks from a place of low spirits, asking, “Why am I so depressed?” and then encourages his soul: “Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God” (43:5). Every leader begins as a follower—Joshua followed the ark, and the psalmist follows God’s light and truth to the altar. True leadership that honors God starts with worship.

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 highlights God’s leadership. It describes how He guided His people along the right path to a city where they could settle (107:7). God, who parted the Jordan for Joshua (107:7), also transforms deserts into pools of water (107:35) and provides for the hungry by enabling them to settle, sow, and plant vineyards (107:36-37). The psalm begins with a call to those God has redeemed: “Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them” (107:2). When people share their salvation stories, God becomes the hero to a new generation. A humble leader repeatedly points to Him.

Micah 3:5-12 illustrates the reversal of leadership. The prophets of his time promised peace to those who fed them (3:5), while the rulers built Jerusalem through bloodshed (3:10). “Her leaders issue rulings for a bribe, her priests teach for payment, and her prophets practice divination for money” (3:11). These men elevated themselves and exploited God’s people for their own gain. Micah, empowered by the Spirit, declares, “I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage” (3:8). The consequences of ego-driven leadership affect the entire city: “Zion will be plowed like a field” (3:12). A century later, Judah’s elders referenced this verse to protect Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:18). Micah’s warning endured beyond the leaders who disregarded it.

Matthew 23:1-12 recounts Jesus addressing the crowds and His disciples about the scribes and Pharisees, who sit in Moses’ seat (23:2). This phrase links back to Joshua, who inherited authority as Moses’ successor. These teachers occupied the seat to impose heavy burdens on others (23:4) and sought honor through the best seats, greetings, and titles (23:6-7). Jesus redirects all of this to Himself and His Father: “You have one Teacher…. You have one Father…. You have one Master, the Messiah” (23:8-10). He then states His kingdom’s rule: “The greatest among you will be your servant” (23:11). Jesus exemplifies this by kneeling to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5), humbly dying on a cross, and being exalted by God (Philippians 2:8-9). He is our Joshua, leading us through death’s river, staying there until His people crossed over.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 illustrates human leadership influenced by the cross. Paul emphasizes that he and his companions worked “night and day” to avoid burdening the believers (2:9). Unlike Micah’s prophets, who preached for pay, Paul labored with his hands to share the gospel freely. He cared for the Thessalonians “like a father with his children,” encouraging and comforting them to live worthily of God’s call into His kingdom and glory (2:11-12). Paul evaluates his ministry by the impact of God’s Word as believers received it “as it truly is, the message of God, which also works effectively in you” (2:13). A servant leader faithfully shares God’s Word, then steps back to let God work.

Following the Humble Leader

Jesus exemplifies the essence of leadership in God’s kingdom. He is the first to enter the water, bears the burden, and gives all glory to His Father. Leaders serve in many settings: at home, work, school, within ministry teams, or among friends. This week, challenge yourself to take on a burden you typically delegate and carry it out yourself. Reflect on your motives as Micah advises, and ask, “Who benefits when I lead?” Share a story of how God has led you, highlighting His role as the hero of the story. Then trust God to handle exaltation at the proper time, for He knows exactly when and has promised to do so.

Points to Ponder

• Where has God placed you to lead others, and what burden in that place could you pick up this week?
• Micah named leaders who taught for payment. What rewards tempt you to serve for your own benefit?
• The psalmist prays, “Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.” What is leading you right now?
• How does Jesus’ willingness to go into death ahead of you change the way you serve others?

Prayer

Father, You elevate the humble and humble the proud. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Joshua, who entered the waters of judgment before us and remained until we crossed over. Forgive us when we seek our gain and accolades. Guide us with Your light and truth. Fill us with Your Spirit, just as You filled Micah, with justice and courage. Teach us to bear others’ burdens, seek Your approval, and give You glory for every correct path You lead us on. Let Your word transform us and uplift us in Your time. In Jesus’ name, our Servant and Lord, Amen.

“The LORD spoke to Joshua: ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses.'” Joshua 3:7