Rediscovering God's Heart for Leadershipნიმუში

A Different Kind of Kingdom — Redefining Power and Greatness

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must 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.” Matthew 20:26–28 (NIV)

It was an awkward moment—two of Jesus’ disciples were asking for VIP seating in His Kingdom, likely imagining thrones, honor, and maybe even applause. Jesus answered them by redefining their concept of leadership and power.

A Kingdom That Flips the Script

In the world’s kingdom, greatness is about status: big titles, bigger crowds; being known, followed, admired. But in God’s Kingdom? Greatness looks like a towel over the arm, not a crown on the head. It sounds like “How can I help you?”, not “What do I get out of this?” It is Jesus kneeling to wash feet, even the feet of the one who would betray Him. Jesus taught that the path to leadership isn’t upward, it’s downward. It is not lording power over but laying power down.

The Leader Who Served First

Jesus could have led with force. He had authority over storms, sickness, and spirits. In fact, just before His crucifixion, He pointed out that He could call on the Father to send twelve legions of angels if He wanted (Mat. 26:53). Instead, He led with love. He invited children close. He touched outcasts. He spoke gently to the broken and boldly to the proud. He taught, healed, fed, forgave, and served. And then He laid down His life—not because He had to, but because servant leadership is not a strategy, it is a Person. He did not only come to do something for us. He also came to show us something—to reveal the Father’s heart! This is what true leadership looks like.

Leading Where You Are

You may not feel like a leader. But if you have served someone without asking for thanks or to be seen and praised, then you have led in Jesus’ way. The world says, “Climb the ladder.” Jesus says, “Pick up the basin and towel.” Instead of striving to be great, just serve like Jesus.

A Thought to Ponder

Leadership in the Kingdom is not about chasing position and power; it is about embodying Christ-like purpose. You lead best not when you rise above others but when you come alongside them in love.

Prayer

Jesus, you turned the world’s idea of leadership upside down. Help me let go of any desire to lead for my own gain. Teach me to lead like You by serving others, even when it costs me something. Make me more like You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Where in your life do you have opportunities to serve others humbly and faithfully? Are there places in your heart where you desire to be recognized and lauded for the things you do?