Word@Work Luke326 - Luke 22:24-26
Published: Fri, 04/01/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
POWERFUL PATRONAGE VERSUS SERVICE
Luke 22:24-26 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (NIV)
At the end of the Last Supper, after Jesus had demonstrated that He was to be the sacrificial Lamb of God, taking away the sins of the world and redeeming His people, the disciples had a big argument! That meal, which set the pattern for the Holy Communion, became a springboard for power politics amongst the disciples. Somehow the sacred solemnity of the Passover and coming Passion was ignored because of the long running sub-agenda of which of the disciples was going to be the greatest when Jesus came to power.
The trainee apostles, who should have known better, had already argued about it in Capernaum (Mark 9:33-37) and on the way up to Jerusalem (Mark 10:35-45). Even the mother of James and John begged Jesus that her boys should have top jobs in His Kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). It was not right and probably reflected the age old practices of bribery, patronage and favouritism. It would be nice to think that that sort of thinking and behaviour disappeared before the church was formed. But, no! One of the sad facts of the history of the church is that human power struggles have defaced the Lord's glory in order to elevate the power and patronage of His people.
Whereas favouritism can happen at any age, patronage by older or richer benefactors can be a sanitised façade behind which people exercise power over others. It can pretend to support others in their ministry, but practically, patrons hold the strings and play with their puppets. So, it is as easy for influential church members to manipulate the church as it is for tribal heads to assume the right to govern it, making the teachers and pastors dance to their tune. Of course, not every benefactor or patron thinks and behaves like that; some are a real blessing. But our human nature is easily tempted into thinking and behaviour which is worldly and fleshly. Jesus said that is wrong. The antidote to a craving to control is to serve: instead of telling the youngsters what to do, demonstrate that you are willing to do it. That is precisely what Jesus did, and those who follow Him have no right to assume any greater privilege.
Prayer: Dear Lord God and my heavenly Father. Thank You that the Lord Jesus is the true model and example for everybody in His church, and especially for those who lead or feel they have the responsibility to control the leaders. Forgive me for thinking in a worldly way about the responsibilities and privileges that You have given me; and help me to learn how to serve in a simple and humble way like Jesus did. In His Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
At the end of the Last Supper, after Jesus had demonstrated that He was to be the sacrificial Lamb of God, taking away the sins of the world and redeeming His people, the disciples had a big argument! That meal, which set the pattern for the Holy Communion, became a springboard for power politics amongst the disciples. Somehow the sacred solemnity of the Passover and coming Passion was ignored because of the long running sub-agenda of which of the disciples was going to be the greatest when Jesus came to power.
The trainee apostles, who should have known better, had already argued about it in Capernaum (Mark 9:33-37) and on the way up to Jerusalem (Mark 10:35-45). Even the mother of James and John begged Jesus that her boys should have top jobs in His Kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). It was not right and probably reflected the age old practices of bribery, patronage and favouritism. It would be nice to think that that sort of thinking and behaviour disappeared before the church was formed. But, no! One of the sad facts of the history of the church is that human power struggles have defaced the Lord's glory in order to elevate the power and patronage of His people.
Whereas favouritism can happen at any age, patronage by older or richer benefactors can be a sanitised façade behind which people exercise power over others. It can pretend to support others in their ministry, but practically, patrons hold the strings and play with their puppets. So, it is as easy for influential church members to manipulate the church as it is for tribal heads to assume the right to govern it, making the teachers and pastors dance to their tune. Of course, not every benefactor or patron thinks and behaves like that; some are a real blessing. But our human nature is easily tempted into thinking and behaviour which is worldly and fleshly. Jesus said that is wrong. The antidote to a craving to control is to serve: instead of telling the youngsters what to do, demonstrate that you are willing to do it. That is precisely what Jesus did, and those who follow Him have no right to assume any greater privilege.
Prayer: Dear Lord God and my heavenly Father. Thank You that the Lord Jesus is the true model and example for everybody in His church, and especially for those who lead or feel they have the responsibility to control the leaders. Forgive me for thinking in a worldly way about the responsibilities and privileges that You have given me; and help me to learn how to serve in a simple and humble way like Jesus did. In His Name. Amen.
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