The world strives for power and authority. Sometimes, even the Church does that! But Jesus shows us a different way – the way of submission and service.
Scripture:
2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17; Psalm 2; Matthew, chapter 20
Matthew 20:20-28 (NASB):
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; 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.”
Observations: A Different Way – God’s Kingdom and Earthly Kingdoms
This passage is not the only time in the gospels that Jesus’ disciples demonstrate the human desire for power. Unfortunately, that desire is as old as sinful humanity itself. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, one of the consequences was the desire for power. When people reject God’s authority, they scramble for power, seeking to take God’s place. Even followers of Jesus are not exempt from that desire, as James and John show us in this passage.
Jesus reminds them that His kingdom is different. First, he tells them that they don’t know what they’re asking. The first qualification for authority in the kingdom is “to drink the cup that I am about to drink.” In other words, they have to be ready to die. He has just told the disciples that He was going to be handed over to be crucified (Matthew 20:18-19). They’re still thinking about Jesus’ kingdom in earthly terms; He is trying to reset their focus (see yesterday’s reflection, Resetting Our Focus).
It’s clear that James and John still don’t understand, because they promptly say that they are able to drink that cup. Jesus proceeds to tell them another kingdom truth: it’s all in God’s hands. “[I]t is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” God has already determined everyone’s place in the kingdom.
A Different Way: “It Is Not This Way Among You”
Jesus emphasizes that God’s kingdom doesn’t work the way earthly systems do. “The rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you…” God’s kingdom is not for those who chase power and authority. The desire for power is part of our corrupted human nature. Instead, God’s kingdom is led by Jesus and those who follow His example. “Whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; 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.”
James and John were not alone in their desire for power. The other ten disciples were indignant with them – probably because the ten thought they deserved those places of authority. They misunderstood the nature of God’s kingdom. It is not a matter of earthly power and authority; it rests on spiritual power that is demonstrated by love. Love is what separates God’s kingdom from earthly power structures and authority.
Application: A Different Way – Following Jesus
Today’s passage is not a “one-off,” where Jesus talks about something that He never discusses again. In fact, this is just the next step in His ongoing work to help the disciples what the Kingdom is really about. So why do we strive for earthly power and influence? Have we forgotten what John the Baptist said about Jesus? “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven…He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:27, 30).
Jesus recognized that the desire for power was diametrically opposed to kingdom priorities. He told His disciples that Kingdom authority comes from service and submission, not from striving for power. On the night that He was betrayed, He demonstrated how important this was by washing their feet. And He told them, “I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you” (John 13:15).
Jesus’ way is not limited to washing feet. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus came to show us God’s self-giving love, and to call us to follow Him. Remember, Jesus also said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). We need to be careful not to trade our spiritual birthright for temporary earthly prestige and authority!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding us that Your kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms. Help us not to strive for power and authority, but to follow Jesus’ example of self-giving love. Your way is a different way; help us to faithfully walk in it. Amen.
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