Mark 10:41-44
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.
The disciples think James and John have made a power play by going to Jesus and asking for positions of authority in this new kingdom Jesus is ushering in. None of them understand “the plan.” For sure their hero is not going to die. Not only is there misunderstanding but there is a certain competitiveness among the followers. It seems to be highlighted frequently that Peter, James, and John seem to be Jesus’ inner council and somehow closer than the rest. Perhaps that is only realized in retrospect but knowing human nature, “favorites” is always an issues among siblings, among friends, and in politics. Jealousy is always tapping on our hearts.
Jesus steps in and teaches. True leadership is humble. We have coined the phrase today, “servant leadership.” For those of us who have “slavery” as an ugly reality in our family heritage, Jesus’ teaching that leaders are servants and slaves is very loaded language. Cultural sins of slavery are to be confessed and forgiveness sought. Slavery is a horrible part of our heritage and yet Jesus uses that image to challenge his followers.
So when you think of slavery, what do you think about? Perhaps you remember the servants helping the hero in “The Robe.” Others see images from “Amistad” of chains and death and cruelty as part of our past and realities of slavery. Oh my. Lord forgive us our cruelty, our prejudices, and our ignorance. It is Lent. Let us not jump over the ugliness of these words to patting ourselves about our humility. Let us spend time asking the Holy Spirit to shine his flash light on my soul to reveal any ways that I act more like a slave owner than a slave. Lord, forgive me any arrogance or pride I secretly harbor and help me serve others.
On the Way to Wonder 