Less Of More By Chris Nyeনমুনা

Chris Nye: Less of More Devotional Day 5 “From Power to Vulnerability: Leaders Who Serve” Scripture reading: Mark 10:35-45 In one of his clearest teachings on power and authority, Jesus explains to his disciples how they will not lead their movement the way others have led theirs. The disciples are told not to gain power but to lose it in service to others. In a short scene, two brothers approach Jesus and ask to “sit [at his] right hand and . . . left” (Mark 10:37). This was an ancient Near Eastern way of asking for cabinet positions in Jesus’ spiritual government. They wanted the power—and they were doing what the world told them (and tells us) to do: Grab it! It’s yours for the taking, so get after it! Jesus’ reply is stunning: “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45, emphasis mine). The “Gentiles” in this passage could be more broadly seen as those who do not follow the one true God. Jesus clearly says, “It shall not be so among you.” In other words, you and I will not relate to power the same way the rest of humanity relates to power. In the culture’s path to power, it will be to “lord it over” others, to assume power, to grab hold of the reins and take control. But in Jesus’ structure of life, his disciples will be the servants and slaves. If you want true power and authority, you need to know that these do not come through job titles, salaries, or circumstances, certainly not through bullying, demanding, and power games. You will be influential if you, in vulnerability and humility, lay down your life for others, just like Jesus did for you. Whom do you lead (children, employees, ministry team members, etc.)? How does your leadership in these roles reflect Christlike self-sacrifice?