Ministry

So Jesus called them all together to him and said, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.’   (verses 42-45)

Read Mark 10:32-45

Today’s reading contrasts a wrong understanding of being a leader for Jesus with the way of Jesus, the Leader. James and John thought, as we often do, that leadership in the church should match leadership in society. In society ‘rulers. . . have power . . . and the leaders have complete authority’. So we get an outlook that involves more authority, greater power, larger reward, and widespread recognition.

‘Not … among you’, according to Jesus the Leader. And his words were to be put into practice when he went to the cross to redeem many. He led by serving others. He led by paying a costly personal price. Humility characterised Jesus’ leadership at every point.

What a sobering message this is for all who jostle for authority, among pastors, members of the local church, people in any area of ministry. Jesus’ definition and example of ministry has a ‘cross’ character. It also has redeeming power.

Lord Jesus, help me to learn from you how to lead by serving others. Amen.

by Ray Schulz, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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