Power or Service? â The Lesson from Earthly Rulers
đŚ Introduction â When Power Overwhelms Faith
The history of Israel and the early church shows us how easily spiritual communities can be tempted to adopt worldly power structures. Instead of relying on Godâs guidance, they sought security and influence through human systems of rule. These choices often led to moral decay and spiritual alienation.
đ Bible Study â Jesusâ Warning Against Abuse of Power
đš Key Text: Read Matthew 20:25â28. What mistake did Jesus warn His disciples against as they built the Christian community?
âBut Jesus called them to him and said, âYou know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.ââ
Here Jesus makes clear that greatness in Godâs kingdom is defined by service and humilityânot by authority and control.
đ§ Reflection Questions & Answers
Why did Israelâs elders find the idea of a king so appealing? They craved the security and stability that other nationsâ monarchies promised. Tired of Godâs invisibility and the uncertainties of faith, they wanted a tangible, human leader they could see, hear, and celebrate. By choosing a human monarch, however, they ultimately rejected God Himself as their sovereign, paving the way for oppression and spiritual decline.
How do we fall into similar temptations today? We too often place our trust in human institutionsâpolitical parties, organizational hierarchies, or even church leadershipârather than in Godâs direct guidance. We find it easier to follow a visible authority than to heed the inward promptings of the Holy Spirit. Whenever we lean more on people than on God, we echo Israelâs error.
⨠Spiritual Principles â Servant Leadership vs. Ruling Power
Humility over Domination: True spiritual leadership flows from a heart to serve, not to wield power.
Trust in God: We must resist idolizing human systems and depend instead on Godâs sovereign rule.
Beware of Compromise: History shows that blending worldly power with spiritual authority often leads to corruption and decay.
đ§ Daily Application â Living as Godâs Servants in a World of Rulers
In the Church: Seek opportunities to serve others rather than to climb church hierarchies.
At Work: Lead by exampleâintegrity and compassion trump sheer control.
In Life: Make decisions by seeking Godâs will, even when it runs counter to conventional wisdom about success and authority.
â Conclusion â The Power of Service
Jesus taught that true greatness is found in serving. The stories of Israel and the early church warn us of the dangers when we forget this truth. By following Jesusâ example of humble service, we reflect His kingdom on earth.
đŹ Thought of the Day
âIn a world that pursues power, Jesus calls us to serve.â
âď¸ Illustration â âThe Price of Positionâ
DĂźsseldorf, Spring 2024
Dr. Adrian Meissner sat in his new eleventh-floor office overlooking the Rhineâa symbol of all heâd achieved, or so he thought. At 37 he had become the youngest Director of Strategic Communications in his companyâs history. Admired by colleagues, lauded by the press, and known in his church as âthe success story,â he embodied modern success.
Yet inside him a restlessness stirred. His Bible, once read daily, lay gathering dust. Prayer had become a duty. His church friends had become acquaintances, not brothers and sisters.
âMom said on the phone, âYouâve become like a kingâjust donât end up like Saul.ââ He laughed it off, but her words stuck.
Two weeks later, in a staff meeting, a young intern named Lukas suggested an improvement. Adrian, feeling his authority threatened, responded harshlyâexactly the kind of dominance he hated in others. The room fell silent; Lukas looked down. Adrianâs chest tightened.
That night he couldnât sleep. He opened his old Bible and paused at Matthew 20:25â28:
âYou know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them⌠But it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.â
He read it repeatedly, then read about Saul, David, Solomonâand finally about Jesus, the true King who washed feet.
On Sabbath morning, Adrian returned to churchânot to preach, but to sit in the back row. The sermon was on spiritual authority through service and humility. After the service, he approached Lukas:
âLukas, Iâm sorry I cut you off today. I thought control would make me secure, but I forgot what it means to be a servantâand I want to change that.â
Lukas, surprised, smiled.
âIâm glad you said that. Honestly, I prayed youâd see it.â
Lesson: Adrian lost much without realizing itâbut he gained more through repentance, not through asserting authority. Like Israel, which longed for a human king, he had believed in human order over divine guidance. Yet in returning to humility, he discovered true spiritual greatness.
đ âBut it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.â (Matthew 20:26)
