The wisdom of Jesus is uplifting, soul feeding, awesome, compassionate.

Why does it seem like everyone is pretending to be more than they are? Welcome to Radical and Relevant, where we are exploring the enduring wisdom of Jesus' teachings. In today's scripture, from the 11th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, we hear Jesus talking about John the Baptist and explaining his greatness. "Truly I say to you, among those born of women, there is none greater than John the Baptist. Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence, take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesized until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." None greater is the phrase that leaps out at me today. My son Walter loves basketball and is a huge Cavaliers fan. He can tell you all the stats and facts, and it is delightful to witness his delight.

So last year, when we were in Florida, I took him to see the Cavs in Orlando. A friend of mine had arranged Amazing Seeds Courtside for us, and it was a fabulous experience of father and son bonding. But the reason I bring it up is because how poorly many of the people around us behaved at the game. It seemed like everyone thought they were special and deserved to be treated differently than anyone else. This led them to treat the waitstaff atrociously. So many of them thought they were a big deal. And why? I don't know. For some reason, this had a profound impact on me. Let's just say humility was in short supply that night at the basketball game.

In today's reading, Jesus explains John the Baptist place in history. He describes John as the greatest person ever to live. Think about that for a minute. Think about those who had come before him, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Noah, David, and all the prophets. But John the Baptist doesn't go around saying, "I'm the greatest." A line from Sirak comes to mind. "Humble yourself, the greater you are.

The greater you are, humble yourself the more." John the Baptist lived this sentiment out with great vigor. The virtue of the day is humility. We see the world through the eyes of our egos. That's why our worldviews can become so distorted. To see the world, ourselves and God as they really are, we need to first subdue the ego. The gospel of Jesus Christ is as radical and relevant today as ever before. Go out into the world today and astonish people with your humility. And remember, don't just be yourself. Be the very best version of yourself.

Thank you, Ambassadors. You are changing the world. Have a great day. Bye-bye. Simon, come sit.

I love you. Have a great day!