We are all well aware of the corruptive influence of power. When we are in a position of power it can easily become intoxicating and a desire for more can drive us to do things we never thought we were capable of. Jesus knew his disciples weren’t immune from power’s corruptive influence so he took a timely incident to show his disciples how they should approach power within the church.
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Matthew 20:20–28
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 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.”
Some desire power above all else. Disciples seek God’s Kingdom above all else.
Some attain/maintain power by name recognition, manipulation, intimidation, or exploitation. Disciples serve one another.
Questions to consider:
- Are you desiring power or the betterment of others?
- Are you using your position of influence to achieve your selfish ambitions, boost your ego, prove your worth OR to serve those around you?