Jesus called [the twelve disciples] together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).
Jesus' example and teaching point to a life of self-sacrificial, loving, inclusive leadership and service. In this chapter of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives sight to the blind, invites the rejected into his community, humbly pauses to serve the needy, and gives a living example of true leadership. Why, then, do so many in the Christian community (and world in general) teach and model the opposite? Everything in the gospels point to Jesus' healing, love, welcome, humble servitude, and invitation to all. Jesus does not exclude or condemn. Even in this instance (and others) when the disciples get it wrong, Jesus nudges them in the right direction through sound teaching and example: Being a leader is about serving, not being served. Yet when we look around us, most people lead through the negative example to which the gospel writer points: Leaders that lord over others.
Lord Jesus, let me lead through an example of loving service, sacrifice, and humility. Let me invite others with open arms and understanding. Amen.
Peace.
Stan
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