Mark 10:41-45

“…but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” vss. 43b-45

When the disciples caught wind of what James and John were up to, they erupted in anger, and Jesus had to step in to settle things down. Their behavior was contrary to everything that he stood for, and he did not mince words in setting them straight. While it is true that leaders in this world lord it over those they perceive to be their followers, his disciples had been called to be servants. Certainly that was how he perceived his own mission–he had come to serve and not to be served! And that’s why every faith community worth its salt will be dedicated to service in all that they do. Not only will their leaders lead through sacrificial service, but every member will live out their call in the same way. There is just no room in the church for outsized egos and for leaders who love the limelight. Not that this doesn’t happen. We’re well acquainted with celebrity preachers who relish lavish living and the attention received from adoring followers. But these few bad apples can’t begin to outweigh the thousands of genuine leaders on every level who live according to the principles of Jesus. Love and service are a combination that can’t be matched and in their presence humans flourish!

Thought for the Day: What makes celebrity preachers so appealing?