Do We Measure Leadership by Praise or Service?
Welcome to Day 284 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we consider what Jesus calls us to question in our beliefs or lives. The main truth for today is this: Jesus challenges the belief that leadership is measured by position or praise rather than service. Let’s begin.
Current details of the journeyView the calendar, Episode and passage
Jesus in Action
Mark 10:35–45
Step 4 of 5
Examine what Jesus calls us to question in our beliefs or lives.
Jakobus en Johannes kwamen naast Hem lopen. ‘Meester,’ zeiden zij, ‘wij willen U iets vragen. U moet iets voor ons doen.’ ‘Wel?’ vroeg Jezus, ‘wat kan Ik voor jullie doen?’ ‘Mogen wij in uw Koninkrijk naast U op de troon zitten?’ vroegen zij, ‘de één links en de ander rechts van U?’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Je weet niet wat je vraagt! Kunnen jullie de beker drinken die Ik moet drinken? Of de vreselijke dingen doorstaan die Ik moet doorstaan?’ ‘Ja,’ zeiden zij. ‘Jullie zullen inderdaad uit dezelfde beker drinken als Ik,’ zei Hij, ‘en dezelfde vreselijke dingen meemaken. Maar wie in mijn Koninkrijk naast Mij zullen zitten, maak Ik niet uit. Dat bepaalt God.’ Toen de tien andere leerlingen hoorden wat Jakobus en Johannes hadden gevraagd, namen zij het hen erg kwalijk. Jezus riep hen bij Zich en zei: ‘Jullie weten dat de machthebbers in de wereld de bevolking onderdrukken. Zij maken misbruik van hun macht. Maar onder jullie moet het anders gaan. Wie groot wil zijn, moet jullie dienaar worden. En wie de voornaamste wil zijn, moet ieders slaaf worden. Want zelfs Ik, de Mensenzoon, ben niet gekomen om Mij te laten dienen. Nee, Ik ben gekomen om te dienen en mijn leven te geven als losgeld voor velen.’
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After seeing the King who serves, today Jesus challenges the common idea that leadership is proved by your title, your visibility, or how much control you have over others.
Watch: Are You Following Jesus or Just Chasing Influence?
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
It is easy to look like you are helping others while secretly wanting attention, praise, or control. Even good actions can hide a desire to get ahead. Now, we look at how Jesus challenges the hidden competition inside all of us and redefines what it means to be a true leader.
James and John want recognized positions of power right next to Jesus. The other ten disciples become very angry, but their anger does not mean they are free from the same competitive spirit. Jesus addresses all of them together.
Your Title Is Not the Measure.
Most everyday systems use titles, special access, influence, and high visibility as signs of greatness. Jesus explicitly refuses to let His followers copy that pattern.
Control Is Not the Same as Serving.
A person can hold a position of responsibility and still serve faithfully; the problem is not authority itself. Jesus challenges using authority to make yourself look important, to dominate others, or to demand special recognition.
Even Serving Can Become Selfish.
It is possible to help others publicly while secretly keeping score—watching who noticed us, who thanked us, or who promoted us. Jesus’ standard goes beneath our outward actions to examine our hidden desire for importance.
The Cross Exposes Our Competition.
Jesus is moving toward giving up His life, while His disciples are arguing over who is the most important. This sharp contrast shows how distorted our goals can become when we want the benefits of His kingdom without copying His pattern of self-sacrifice.
Tomorrow, we will turn this challenge into a practical response about how you use your own influence and how you serve others.
Consider this.
Which assumption does Jesus confront in you?
Examine your assumptions
Allow Jesus to expose any desire to use service as another route to status.
