Power, Leadership and Influence

Bible Passage: Matthew 20:20-28

In some ways, Jesus had a lot in common with the religious leaders of his day. They were trying to minister to people who lived under oppressive Roman rule, and they did so by calling people back to God’s word. And yet, their approach could not have been more different. The leadership shown by the authorities of the time (just like so many authorities today) was about status and position, seeking a place that was seen as above others and trying to influence their actions in heavy-handed ways. In this passage Jesus responds to a request from two of his disciples for honoured positions by comparing their approach to that of the Gentile rulers, and showing them that in God’s kingdom, wielding power, leadership and influence takes a very different shape.

The Desire for Status in the World: This passage is framed around a request made by the mother of James and John that her sons would be given seats at the right and the left of Jesus in glory. This request was driven by a desire for prestige and honour, with seats in such proximity to a king demonstrating the status and importance of those to whom they are given. Slightly later in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus speaks of how the religious leaders of the day loved the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogue (Matt 23:6-7). In these verses, the disciples are approaching the kingdom of God with the same attitude. In response, Jesus likens this to the way the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over the people and show that the way of the kingdom is different. Following Jesus as disciples means learning humility, and putting to death within us the craving to look impressive or be thought of as important and high-status, but instead being ready to humbly take the lowest place.

The Shape of Power in the Kingdom: In contrast with the ‘lording it over’ of worldly approached to power, in the Kingdom Of God greatness has a very different shape and looks like servanthood. We are used to people exploiting their power and positions for their own good, even if this comes at the expense of other people. It is very different to see those with power choosing not to use it for their own benefit, but instead putting aside their own interests in order to do good to others around them. This new view of power brings a very different approach to authority and leadership. When we think about the community life of our churches, we should be seeing people eager to serve one another rather than exert power, and this same posture should also characterise how the church engages with the world around it.

The Ultimate Example of Jesus: The way of thinking about greatness and power that Jesus teaches in these verses  is not just something that he wants the disciples to do, but is exactly what Jesus himself did. As God in the flesh, it would be easy to imagine Jesus coming into the world in privilege, expecting to be honored and revered, but this is not what happened. Jesus came as a servant, willing to take the lowest place (dramatically illustrated as he washed the feet of the disciples). In this passage, Jesus outlines his mission in these terms: that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus was ready to put his own interests last and lay himself down for his friends. As disciples, we are called to do the same.

Potential Applications:

• There will likely be people listening who have positions of authority within the workplace, church, community or family. Challenge people to think about how they are using the power they have and how closely it matches with the way Jesus teaches here.
• There will also be people present who have been on the receiving end of dominant authority and power being used at their expense. There is something significant about naming that this experience is now the way of Christ. You could offer prayer and support for anyone who has been affected in this way.