Choosing power under

Matthew 20:25,26

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you;

In the days before Jesus headed toward the cross, in some of his last moments with His disciples, He made a profound statement to them about how He wanted them to follow in His footsteps. If you knew you were to die soon, what would you want to pass on to your loved ones? Two of them asked if they could be promoted to positions of power and authority once He took over His kingdom. Did those disciples think He was about to set up His throne, kick out the Romans, and rule the world? The other ten apostles were irritated that James and John would even ask such an arrogant thing.

But Jesus answered by comparing their request to the ambitions of those of this world who seek to be exalted. In this verse He referenced the "rulers of the Gentiles" and was referring to politicians who use the power of the state to force others to obey their will, but I believe He was challenging anyone who desires to move up to a higher position in any organization or company. Using "power over" others is not the way the kingdom of God operates.

Instead, those who want to lead must be humble, using "power under" others by loving sacrificially, even if it means giving your life. Why? Because that is the reason He came to earth. He came not to show how He could crush anyone by force, but, as the passage continues, He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Instead of calling legions of angels to rescue Him from the puny Roman soldiers that put nails in His hands, He humbly gave up His life for you and me. We are to have this attitude where we desire to serve others sacrificially, no matter what position we hold in our company or church, or organization. Christians are to be like Christ and that is of a humble servant. Only then can we be used to influence the world around us for the Kingdom of God.