Kingdom Style

Read: Luke 22:24-30

In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people. . . . But among you it will be different. Luke 22:25-26

IN WORD

Imagine being in a classroom and hearing your teacher explain what presidential authority is like—as though the information was vital for you to know. Would you wonder why he felt it necessary to prepare you for a position few people ever hold? Would you think he was out of his mind? Why would you need to know the demands of the presidency unless you were actually going to be president?

On the night before He was crucified, Jesus had a last meal with His followers and gave them some final instructions. One of the more surprising instructions—and quite a bit of what He said was surprising—began with this statement. “This is what authority is like in the Gentile world,” He essentially told them, “but that isn’t how authority works in My Kingdom.” The words may seem familiar to readers of the Bible, but have you considered the implications? Why is Jesus telling former fishermen and other assorted commoners what kingship is like?

Because they are going to have authority in His Kingdom. Some of them already suspect so; they have asked to sit at His right and His left. But they don’t know what kind of Kingdom this will be, and they certainly don’t understand their role in it. They still have no real sense of the Kingdom culture. Even so, they are being prepared to rule—at least by the King’s definition of ruling.

IN DEED

How does a king or a ruler in the Kingdom of God act? Not with unyielding, overbearing authority. Not with unreasonable or self-serving demands. Not like the rulers of the world do. No, that’s not the King’s style, and it can’t be the style of the agents who govern under Him. He rules for the sake of others, serving and meeting needs. His greatness is seen in His willingness to not act great.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 89:14-19

Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.

MOTHER TERESA