09/27/2026
CALLED TO HUMILITY, TRUST IN GOD AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLESHIP
EXODUS 17:1-7, MATTHEW 21:23-32 AND PHILIPPIANS 2:1-3
SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
PASTOR HOWIE MAXSON
“Water From the Rock (Exodus 17:1-7, NIV)
The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So, they quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses replied, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?’
But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?’
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, ‘What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.’
The LORD answered Moses, ‘Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ So, Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah [testing] and Meribah [quarreling] because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, ‘Is the LORD among us or not?’”
“The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew 21:21-32, NIV)
Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you this authority?’
Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?’
They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “‘From heaven,’” he will ask, “‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’” But if we say, “‘Of human origin’”—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’” So, they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’ Then he said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’
The Parable of the Two Sons
‘What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’” “‘I will not,’” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
‘Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “‘I will, sir,’” but he did not go.
‘Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ “‘The first,’” they answered.
Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.’”
“Imitating Christ’s Humility (Philippians 2:1-13, NIV)
Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature [form] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature [form] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Do Everything Without Grumbling
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in
my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
These passages teach us to trust in God, obey His Word, act with humility, and recognize divine authority.
The Israelites tested God by demanding water in the wilderness, questioning whether the Lord was truly among them. God responded by providing water from the rock, demonstrating His faithfulness and provision even when the people doubt and complain. [biblegateway.com] We need to trust God’s guidance and recognize His presence and sustaining power.
Jesus confronted the Jewish religious leaders about their failure to recognize John the Baptist’s authority and the will of God that brought about John’s ministry to be the forerunner of Christ.
Through the parable of the two sons, Jesus teaches us that true obedience is not merely verbal assent but acting in accordance with God’s will, even though we may be initially reluctant. Those who initially resist but ultimately obey (like the first son) exemplify genuine repentance and alignment with God’s purposes. [biblegateway.com]
The Apostle Paul calls us to adopt the same humility and selflessness that Christ demonstrated, in unity, service, and obedience to God’s will. His writing teaches us to look beyond selfish ambition, to consider others’ needs, and to emulate Christ’s obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. This passage complements the lessons from Exodus and Matthew by showing that true faith is manifested in humble, obedient action, as the Scriptures teach.
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.” [Prov. 15:33]
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Heb. 12:1-3]
All together, these passages of Scripture teach us that:
1. God provides for those who trust Him despite our doubts. [Exodus 17]
2. God calls us to authentic obedience and recognition of His authority. [Matthew 21]
3. We are called to embody Christlike humility and obedience in our daily lives in this world. [Philippians 2]
The overarching message is that faith, humility, and obedience are inseparable: God’s provision and authority are to be trusted, His will is to be followed, and Christ’s example is to be imitated. Just as water flowed from a barren rock, life and righteousness flow from trusting and obeying God, even in challenging circumstances. [sermoncentral.com]
We are encouraged to reflect on our personal faith. We should be willing to act in alignment with God’s will, not our own ideas and imaginations. We should cultivate humility and unity within our community of believers. And we should also cultivate the same sense of humility and unity with the wider community of believers in the Body of Christ.
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
