Unexpected advice... and an unexpected example.
Leadership is a pretty difficult thing to define if we look at the New Testament(NT). While the NT doesn't say much about the definitions, functions or tasks of leadership, it has a lot to say about the character of leaders. By and large, starting with Jesus and working right through the NT, whenever the subject of leadership is addressed, it is almost always the character of the leader that is highlighted. The NT seems to take the view that if you have the right character, the definitions, functions and tasks fall into their proper place.Nowhere is this truer than in this interaction in Mark's Gospel. Mark's Gospel presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant of God and, as we read through the Gospel, we see this demonstrated again and again. So, although the words Jesus speaks here are recorded in other places, this a typically Markan phrase.
The disciples are, yet again, arguing about status and position and Jesus sees an opportunity for a teaching moment to give them a lesson about what leadership is like in God's Kingdom. In the world, if you are the leader, then you leverage your authority to your own best advantage. But, Jesus turns the whole system on its head: "This is not how you should behave. If you say that you will follow me you must lead like I lead. Every time you find yourself in a position of authority must lead like this."
Some of you are sniggering quietly now because you're sure it won't work. You're thinking maybe this works in the rarified atmosphere of the church, but this doesn't work in the real world. But if we are followers of Jesus, then we are bound to follow Jesus not only on Sunday, but also where we live and work, as well as where we worship. Learning to lead like Jesus means learning to serve. Jesus is not arguing against leadership; nor is he arguing for passivity, but what Jesus is saying is that if you have authority, if you exercise leadership in any sphere, then you must choose to leverage the authority you have for the benefit of those who are under our authority. This works at home, in church or in your work situation.
Jim Collins, in his book "Good to Great" identifies great leaders as distinguished by their humility. Great leaders have a tremendous drive to get things done combined with a humility that draws people in their direction.
What a difference it would make in our homes, churches and workplaces if we listened to Jesus's advice... and followed it.
| When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down. "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served---and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage." (Mark10:43-45) |
(Peter Langerman is the currently serving Moderator of the UPCSA. He is a husband to Sally, father to Jaimee (and father-in-law to Tim), Natasha, Emma and Gabby, loves to walk, cook, read, shout at the TV when the Boks are playing and serves the saints at Durbanville.)
