Worship for the week beginning 17th October 2021

There are so many expectations that people expect the leaders to do. Quite often these demands are too overwhelming when put on the table before leaders by those, who for example, think voted them into public offices if it is related with secular matter. Some feel leaders owe them something. So, Leaders by default or design find themselves into boxes of the people and at times to the extent of finding themselves under siege. Jesus messianic arrival was wrongly construed to a political revolution. The two disciples James and John were wrong on their interpretation, or perhaps their demands were intentionally designed model that they wished Jesus to adopt. This are just my speculation. From a person point of view, how could you cope with such brothers and sisters in your context? And how would leaders at whatever form act when such demands are brought before them? Did the disciples have a clue on what such demand entailed? How did Jesus respond to them? And how would you respond? The response of Jesus threw them -off balance. If you are reading this reflection, does such a response, cause you to step back during your mounting prayers to take an audit assessment of your calling and discipleship?

Now wait for a moment. Before you are too harsh and too judgemental on the two sons of Zebedee, let us all examine and reflect on our own attitudes as Christians.  How do you perceive those who seem to have ascended into places of leadership against your own will? In what ways have you lately practiced servanthood? According to the gospel of Mark, Jesus disclosed his mission to the disciples. Under clear public scrutiny, do people know our motives of leadership? Like clear crystal, do we represent Christ’s interests? Servanthood was at the very heart of Jesus. He led by example, washing the feet of his followers; touching those considered unclean; refusing to side with religious intolerance; speaking words of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. Jesus attributes characterized the way of his ministry. How as a church, leader, disciple of Christ understands the Methodist calling?
How do you practice it? And how has it transformed you? In our calling we are expected to be totally transformed Holy Spirit led, advocating fair justice for all, challenging, and calling attention for climate change, social welfare among others, social justice activities. May God’s Spirit direct your ways. Unfortunately, for those who can’t grasp the concept of servanthood and what Jesus meant to be the last and not the first, Seeing Christ in others, and loving others as you have been loved is often too challenging to consider. When you look at others you should be grateful to the God who is justice seeking listens, welcomes, embraces, and includes even those who find themselves undervalued.

Imagine the difference it would make to love and serve others Jesus’ way? In the secular models, there are those who manage to schmooze their way into a promotion, sweet talk their way out of trouble, or flirt their way to the top at the expense of those around them. That is not Christians are called to live their calling! James and John in today’s Gospel are trying to sneak their way into leadership. But Jesus uses the moment to teach us what true greatness is. That in our everyday experiences of life encountering the extraordinary grace of God in serving others!