Matthew 20:20-28
Reflect
Do you know anyone who makes brazen and audacious requests? It could be that they are unaware of the social norms, or that they have lived with such limitations that they are willing to ask for more. Or maybe it’s just plain old greed.
It’s difficult to say from where the Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17) and their mother Salome are coming from in their request for the most honourable positions of leadership in Jesus’ Kingdom. They have already been promised a throne in the coming age (Matt 19:28), but still they ask for more. Note that Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for this request. He does, however, make clear that to follow Him and be part of His Kingdom involves suffering.
The other disciples are disgusted with James and John. They are familiar with the power structures of their day and what it means to be a ruler. Jesus, though, doesn’t correct the desire to be great. Instead, He casts a new vision for what it means to lead. The way up is to go down. Servant leadership is a popular leadership philosophy these days, but it has its roots here.
Two questions to reflect on today:
Do you boldly approach the throne of grace or are you reluctant to ask? (Heb 4:16)
Would Jesus say you are a servant leader in your home, work, with family and friends?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family as he begins his sabbatical today.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.