Rev. J. Loren Russell
Matthew 20:20-21, 24-27 (NKJV)
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”
And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.”
Some people get their position of leadership through relationships, some because of their financial status. But authentic leadership cannot be obtained through a relationship, influence, nor purchased with money. Authentic leadership comes from the inside, and recognized through the services that are rendered to others.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons only wanted what she thought was best for her sons, so she tried to use her influence to convince Jesus to put them in positions of authority when He established His kingdom. She was not concerned for herself, only her two boys…, or so it seemed. (In their extreme patriarchal society, sons became the provider of their mother and sisters when fathers died.) Even if her request was altruistic, it was bold, brazen, and offensive to the other disciples. Had Jesus said yes, the question I ask is, what kind of leaders would they have made?
Authentic leadership is created by an overwhelming desire to serve. Not even a mother’s love can make leaders if the Lord has not given them a spirit to serve others. That does not mean that they think less of themselves, but that they think of others more.
The Spirit Filled Life Study Bible describes spiritual leadership by saying, “All leadership gifts are given by Christ as Lord of the church to “equip” (that is, to mend, prepare, and enable for function) the whole body of the congregation. The call to empower people requires mentoring, training, imparting, and discipling—all aimed at preparing the body for stability and increase.” That’s service! As the greatest leader who ever lived, Jesus summarizes leadership when He said, “For I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27 NLT). Did you get that? The greatest leader in the history of the world says that authentic leadership is service. The mother of the Zebedee brothers would not have been so hasty to request lofty positions for her sons if she understood that authentic leadership originates from service.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the executive producer and host of “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel and Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ us. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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