Lobbying for a Place of Power

Throne of the Russian Czar in St. Petersburg -- Hermitage. 

Scripture:

Mark 10:35   James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” ³⁶ And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” ³⁷ And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” ³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” ³⁹ They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; ⁴⁰ but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Mark 10:41   When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. ⁴² So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. ⁴³ But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Observation:

James and John thought that Jesus had put Peter in his place when he referred to the first being last and the last being first. Interestingly, they then saw this as an opportunity to step into the vacuum and find their own place of leadership. Possibly, with a bit of glee, they stepped forward to talk to Jesus. With great naiveté or with arrogance, they said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Wow! Such boldness when they thought they could seize the moment. This request is so embarrassing that in Matthew’s gospel, he has their mother asking the question. It is an obvious attempt on their part to squeeze Peter out of the leadership picture. 

However it happened exactly, James and John had absolutely failed to comprehend the big picture of what Jesus was talking about. He had just explained to them that he would go to Jerusalem where he would be killed. They still had visions of grandeur and positions in a new political authority. Jesus was talking to them about servant leadership in the kingdom of God. They were not to seek positions, but were to become like servants. 

Application:

This passage is a great lesson in servant leadership. The entire paradigm of leadership is changed when seen in light of the kingdom of God. I’m guessing that far too often we find ourselves in concert with the disciples, thinking about systems from a human perspective. Jesus had much to teach us about humility and service to others. His incarnation, giving up what he had to become what we are, became transformational for all of humankind. The disciples didn’t understand the power that was released in Christ’s act of humility. Jesus didn’t need to grasp at the position which he had, but willingly gave it up so that his power could empower all of humanity. The ripple effect was great and the final result far beyond our imagination. 

When we lobby for power within earthly kingdoms we create boundaries and limits. That power remains contained within the constraints of structures and cannot be unleashed. The humble work of a servant results in the unleashing of power that cannot be restrained because there is freedom outside of the system. Jesus did not fit into the neat structures of the system — whether religious or political. He was a threat because his actions were subversive when seen in light of the existing framework of society.  The religious and government officials were beginning to realize this and wanted to dispose of him, while the disciples were not quite comprehending. 

Jesus is inviting us to open our eyes and see the possibilities that come when we humble ourselves within the kingdom of God. There is no need to lobby for any kind of a position because there are always jobs available for those who are willing to be servants. The church and the world needs more leaders who are willing to lead from a position of service. 

Prayer:

Lord, may service to you and others come from my heart. Amen.