Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 1, 2025
What might Jesus think about the exercise of power?
Jesus lived under an authoritarian empire. Rome invaded and occupied their neighbors and used the resources in those places to advance an imperial agenda. The peace of Rome was enforced by the intimidating presence of the Roman legions. As in all authoritarian regimes, dissent was not tolerated. As a result, Jesus and his people lacked the freedoms, resources, and basic needs to flourish.
Jesus addressed the misuse of power very directly. In response to an argument among his disciples about who would be the greatest when Christ’s kingdom would be established on earth, Jesus said: “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. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
Jesus’ teaching is very relevant for our homes, communities, and nation today. Let us make a fresh commitment to Jesus’ way of servant-leadership. Let us be wary of any leader, especially in our government established “for and by the people”, who rules by lording their power over us, denying dissent, and taking the lion’s share for themselves.
That is not for us. We are followers of Jesus. We are here to serve, not to be served.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
