Interestingly, the account reveals that Jesus' responded to the two men, not the mother. (Matthew 20: 20-28) His action infers that the men had put their mother up to asking the favor. Either way, Jesus tells them that they really didn't understand what they were asking for. He asked them if they could drink from the cup that He would drink. They answered enthusiastically and quickly, "We can." This set off a chain reaction for the others heard what was being said and become angry. They wanted those positions! Soon a roar of conversation erupted as they each told the reasons why those positions should be their's.
Jesus called the twelve to Himself. He explained what it meant to be a leader in His Kingdom. He instructed them on how His leaders where to lead. His teaching cut the very fabric of the world's concept of leadership to shreds. It shattered the worldly notions of greatness, power, and authority. It still does!
Though the term "servant leader" is often spoken in church leadership workshops and seminars, what is most often presented is a "spiritualized" business model. This is not what Jesus did here. He tells us; "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." (Matthew 20:25-26)
Learning about being great and leading through serving is a lifetime experience. It is not easy to shed the lessons our cultural teaches us. Nonetheless, our life in Christ and participation in His body requires this of us. We cannot shun or replace His way. His Kingdom is not of this world. Nor is the way His Kingdom operates or His leaders lead.
Jesus Himself lived servant leadership, as well taught it. Two things about servant leadership and greatness stand out in this account. To be great is to serve. It is not lording our position and authority over the people. It is serving them. Serving them is not responding and giving into their every whim. It is serving them in Christ, according to His standard and will. We serve Christ's best interest in them. Note that Jesus did not give the two disciples what they requested. He served them by teaching them truth and guiding them in the way of righteousness.
Second, to be great is to pour out one's life for others, just as Jesus did. In the world, leaders expect others to serve them and give themselves to the his/her interests, plans, goals, and aspirations. Like the one who teaches that leadership is getting other people to do what you want them to, having them think that what they are doing was their idea. Not so with God's people. Great people pour out their lives for others, seeking to accomplish God's interests, goals, plans, and aspirations for them and the world.
The world lords over people and throws power around. God's people loving serve and pour out our lives for others. By God's grace and power let us "be great" by being the holy loving people He has called us to be.
Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry