When Jesus sat down and called the twelve disciples to join him, his posture showed that he was in teaching mode. Unlike in many churches today, where a preacher or teacher stands before a seated congregation, the Rabbi (meaning teacher) would sit surrounded by those who wished to learn from him.
Knowing that his disciples are
ambitious, Jesus teaches them where ambition must be correctly placed – not in power, but in service. By telling them that if they want to be first, they must be last, Jesus is saying that it’s not about ruling over people or what you can get people to do for you. Ambition in God’s Kingdom involves serving others and looking at what you can do to serve others.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if it were full of servant
leaders? The world’s economic problems would be reduced as leaders looked for ways support and uplift the less fortunate rather than self-enrichment through corruption.
Governments would run differently. Political debates would be around better service delivery rather than name-calling and dishonourable behaviour as Cabinet members look for prestige and how best to hold on to power.
Our churches could become more effective witnesses
as all members work to bring glory to God rather than worrying about being office bearers that some community members see as “more holy”.
Are these just daydreams of a world that will never be?
Pause for a moment and think about someone in your country’s history, community, family or a friend who made a significant difference in people’s lives?
What was it about that person made them so significant?
Was it something they did?
Was it the way they lived?
Were they wealthy, educated, religious? Did this impact on their significance, or was there something different about them.
What is one think you could do today of service to someone else?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
