Scripture

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over the people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.”

Observation

As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem, He takes the Twelve aside and tell them what is about to happen to Him. He will be betrayed and handed over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified but then He will rise from the dead.

The mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a request that her two sons sit on Jesus’ left and right in the Kingdom. Jesus says that He has no say in this as the Father has prepared the places of honour.

The Kingdom of God does not work like the kingdoms of this age. People flaunt their authority in all kinds of ways, but in Jesus’ Kingdom the leader must first be the servant of all. Jesus Himself came to serve and not to be served.

Application

Not so long ago, the people who run things in the world were somewhat humble about their role. We have always had the “elites”, people with wealth and influence. It has always been clear that there was an “Old Boys Network” where decisions were made in a kind of parallel universe to the visible systems of government.

Since the Covid scare, the people who used to be behind the scenes have become more obvious, more blatant. The “elites” have made it clear that they regard us deplorables with contempt and will ignore our opinions, desires, and aspirations.

Jesus says that in His Kingdom, there are to be no elites. Yes, we need leaders and people with the spiritual gifts to provide direction to the church, but they are of a different kind of leadership, a different heart. To be a leader in the Kingdom, you first have to be a servant, and to retain the heart of a servant.

Leadership in God’s Kingdom is relational. We love one another and we serve one another. As a pastor, I get to empty the church dishwasher, put out the chairs, and vacuum floors, not because it is my job, but because serving goes with the job.

Prayer

Lord, please give me a humble and submissive heart at all times. Amen.