Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Mark 10:35-45

Set in the context of the disciples bickering over places of perceived importance, Jesus’ statement about true greatness and true leadership is striking in its clarity:

“… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’“

Jesus does not condemn the ambition for greatness in His Kingdom, but He clarifies its nature. In the prevailing culture (then and now) greatness was (and still is) perceived as a position which entitles one to receive honour and service from others. But in Kingdom culture, true greatness positions one to honour others, serve their needs and pursue the will of God without concern for personal gain or benefit.

In fact, in the Kingdom of God, leadership is a form of servanthood that pursues the highest best of those one leads. And Jesus’ words in v.45 imply that following His example of truly great leadership will mean being willing to make great personal sacrifices to further the best interests of others.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I often default to thinking about leadership and greatness from a very worldly perspective. Please transform my mindset to more fully align with Your Kingdom mindset. And please change my heart. Fill me with genuine love and concern for those You position me to lead. Make me more like You. Amen.