How Do We Wish To be Known

What were the disciples thinking?

They should of known better.
They had lived with Jesus and were now following him to Jerusalem to his passion and thinking about themselves wasn't in the plan.

 Yet, James and John, came to Jesus and demanded from him a favor.

"Teacher we want you to do whatever we ask of you"
Jesus replies what do you wish me to do for you. Perhaps, implying what does your heart desire?

 In your Glory Lord (that is your kingship) may we each sit at your side?

In a society that prized status and honor Jesus’ disciples want to know where they stood and what place could they expect in the kingdom.
They want to be princes, reflecting the power and glory of Lord himself.
They want to be recognized, respected, and perhaps a little feared.
They wanted to somebodies in the coming kingdom.

 As mis-guided, as we know the disciples often were, they were thinking of the messiah as kingly and full of might. They were not thinking of the messiah as Isaiah's suffering servant, who would not crush, but be crushed and who would freely give up his life, and all earthly honor and glory, for the ransom many. His power would not break a bruised reed or dampen a smoldering wick, But the suffering servant would open the eyes of the blind, free prisoners, and heal the broken hearted.

 Jesus tells James and John don't be so quick to ask for what they do not understand.

He tells them that the cup of wrath which he must drink from will be strong and bitter.
The new baptism he will undergo will not be of water, or spirit, but trial, tribulation and death.

 Can you do this he asks them?

In their foolish self-sureness they reply - we can.
Jesus responds, of course, you will. This is what following me will lead too.
You will drink from the cup of suffering and be baptized by trial and death.
We know it will not be like Jesus' but, all who follow Jesus will encounter the bitter cup and the hard baptism. There is always the cross.

 But, there is always the resurrection and a new glory.

Changed lives, given over to Jesus will be handed over, by him, to his Father and that will be our glory, but for a time, and to the world, that glory will look like defeat.
Defeat is what the kingdom of God looks like from the world's perspective.

Now the other disciples, who I am sure had the same thoughts as James and John, but who had not be as bold, try and turn this to their advantage.  They get all puffed up and indigent and point fingers.

 Jesus calls them together (as you would naughty children) and he reminds them what true following, true discipleship and true leadership looks like and he reminds them of this proof -  the Son of Man himself, did not come to be served, but to serve.

He tells them God's kingdom is not like the kingdoms of man where rulers lord it over their subjects. Where power is oppressive and fear keeps the people in line.  Where greed, hatred and jealousy drive policy.

The Kingdom of God is not like that.

Because God is not like that. Jesus (God’s face to us) is not like that. The Holy Spirit (God with us) is not like that.  And we, as the sign of God’s kingdom, cannot be like that.
In the Kingdom of God (which is already present in the Holy Spirit, the Church and by our lives, if lead well) the great will be great because of their humble service to others.
The best among us will be first, because they have poured out their lives and have been perceived as the least.
And those who lead will lead by serving.

 It is true that this will look like folly to the world.

Those of us who faithfully follow Jesus, will be seen as idealistic, quaint, foolish, simple, and out of touch in the eyes of society.
They will laugh at us for we lack the killer instinct to get ahead at all cost.
They will scoff because we do not hold onto the self-centered individualism to fulfill every desire.
To the false gods of glamor and affluence we are plain and poor,
but Jesus whispers to each open heart, yes, you are lowly, but you have been chosen by me.

 In gratitude of being chosen, out of love not merit, we have the joyful responsibility do the Lord's work, without thought of self or honor.

Leadership (whatever its shape or expression) is never about power and prestige.
It is about doing the work, in the Spirit, with kindness, respect and generosity.
It is always about the work of discipleship never about the self-congratulatory or smug pride of discipleship.

All of this reminds me of how far I have to go.

Deacon (diakonia in Greek) means servant. A deacon is ordained to be a slave in the manner of Christ.
So, I ask myself do I want to serve in faithful obscurity of a servant or for the prestige of being known as a faithful servant!
Do I want to do good or be seen as doing good?  

Do I want to follow Jesus, or be recognized and honored for following Jesus? 

Is it about Jesus? Or what favors he can do for me?
Is it about others? Is it about serving? Is it about selfless leadership or is it about me?

The reality is I am a mixture of both. Wanting to serve and wanting to be recognized as serving. It is all so very human, always striving to prove to others, thus proving to ourselves our worthiness and goodness, when in fact, God already knows and loves us for it.

 We all would do ourselves a good turn if we use this gospel as a measure of our own Christian character, reflect on our leadership role, wither at home or work, as employer or volunteer, as politician or public servant as deacon, priest or laity.

 Let us do the good work simply out of love of God and neighbor, and let us be known simply by it’s fruit.