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Matthew 20:20-28- Then
the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with
her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your
request?” he asked. She
replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of
honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22
But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are
asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am
about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” 23 Jesus told them,
“You will indeed
drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my
right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he
has chosen.” 24 When
the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were
indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that
the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt
their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be
different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your
servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your
slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve
others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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As Jesus was
preparing Himself and His followers for His death on the cross and His
subsequent resurrection His closest associates were busy asking for
special favors through their mother. The ten other disciples became
indignant only because John, James, and their mother had beaten them to
the punch to ask for such special treatment. We see the disciples
engaged in an unholy game of "one-up-manship." Perhaps this wasn't the
best moment for a turf war about who would be #1 when Jesus reigned in
the fullness of His glory given the weight of Jesus' previous
conversation with His team. Jesus took this opportunity (clearly
necessary!) to teach on the meaning of true leadership as sacrificial
service on behalf of God and the people He loves so much. All who
desired to truly follow Him would have to learn and live out the message
of servanthood.
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Throughout the
gospels we see many other earthly leaders and how they functioned. As
opposed to other prominent models in the first century like Herod,
Caiaphas the High Priest, Caesar, or Pilate, Jesus chose a different way
of leading His followers into the future. He gave us the example of a
life lived for others in loving and sacrificial service. Even when Jesus
was highly critical of others, it was for the purpose of serving God
and truly loving people. Our job is not to argue about who is the better
follower of Jesus or petitioning Jesus for special favors! If we will
simply find ways to serve as we lead and lead through our serving, God
will be honored, which is the point. It is never about who gets the
credit, since the glory belongs to God anyway. We get to use our gifts
and graces to serve God and others, rather than to be served. In prayer
ask God how you can serve someone today.
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Dear God, thank You
for this teaching on the true nature of leadership and serving others.
Remind us to never to take this lesson from Jesus on the meaning of
servant leadership and example He offered for granted. Help us never
think we're too good, too special, too privileged, or too high for
whatever task needs to be done for You and Your glory. Jesus is the true
friend of all people, and we pray You will help us keep learning His
truth. Put us to whatever task You want! Help us keep our ears open and
well cleaned out to hear You clearly. Amen.
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"God has given each of you a gift
from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one
another." (1 Peter 4:10),
Pastor Jamie
P. S. - SRT: Hurricane Relief – Port Charlotte
October 23-29, 2024
The University Carillon Serve Response Team (SRT) will deploy a team to
Port Charlotte with Faith Responders to support massive recovery efforts
at the Trinity Charlotte Harbor Global Methodist Church in Port
Charlotte from 23-29 October impacted by 5-6 feet of storm surge.
Here’s how you can help:
Give: Donate generously by giving to University
Carillon with your gift marked “hurricane relief.” Your gift will go
directly to hurricane recovery efforts.
Pray: Pray for
ongoing recovery efforts along both the east and west coasts of Florida
including inland through Live Oak and up to North Carolina.
Serve: Join our UC recovery teams deploying to Port Charlotte.
University Carillon can be and is the “hands and feet of Jesus” to help
those people severely impacted by the hurricanes who are the least, the
lost, and forgotten – people just like you and me. For more info on how you can help in person, and from home: University Carillon - SRT: Hurricane Relief.
