Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45, New American Standard Bible).

Once again, Jesus told His disciples that He would be killed in Jerusalem and raised from the dead. Once again, the disciples did not understand Him. They thought this must be one of His parables with a hidden meaning; they could not imagine that, this time, He was speaking literally. Once again, they (particularly James and John) bickered over who would be the top officials in Jesus’ kingdom. (Matthew 20:20-28 tells us that James and John even got their mother involved, hoping Jesus would honor her request.)

The disciples assumed that power and authority in Jesus’ kingdom would operate as it does in worldly kingdoms. Jesus had shown His power by performing miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons. Surely, the disciples must have thought, He will use this power to establish His kingdom on Earth. Maybe Jesus will call fire down from heaven and destroy the Romans so that He can establish His throne. Once He does that, He will need to send governors to rule for him in different countries. He will need top officers in His kingdom. He doesn’t have children: Who will be His heir apparent?

The disciples did not understand how power works in the kingdom of God. Instead of magnifying His miraculous powers, Jesus would suddenly stop using them when common sense would suggest He should use them for His own advantage. He would not resist the Romans. He would not come down from the cross. He would not miraculously stop His own bleeding or heal the wounds He suffered during scourging. He would bring His kingdom not by conquering the Romans, but instead, by infiltrating death and hell to overcome them.

We still struggle to understand how power and authority operate in the kingdom of God. We seek titles, recognition, and respect. We play politics to get our way at church. We expect politicians to change society; God expects us to preach the Gospel so that He can change lives, thereby changing the world.

Most seriously, we seek to be served, entertained, and “fed” at church, when God calls us to serve others, worship Him, and build one another up. Mark 10:43-44 describes us servants (the Greek word “diakonoi” could mean “waiter at a table” or “servant of a king,” both humble positions with low status) and slaves, but we want to lead.

Ask not how other people in the church should look up to you; ask what you can do to serve God, your church, and all whom you meet.

What is your attitude toward leading or serving in the church? How can you develop a stronger “servant’s heart”?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.