Confusion often benefits criminals, but it also pervades the world’s general perception. Many strive for what they believe to be advancement, yet are motivated by the pursuit of comfort. Seniority implies a right to be served rather than granting a person the right to serve. In essence, we inhabit a world that values attaining high-ranking positions for prestige but without intention to service. The ethos of service is relegated to those deemed less significant in society. We find ourselves in a society that lends legitimacy to lethargy, thereby discouraging hard workers.
To His disciples, Jesus stressed the importance of truthfulness, teaching that true greatness comes from hard work, not from a life of comfort. He is often misunderstood by the people of this world, which flourishes in confusion. Yet, Jesus’ teachings were more about common sense than the prevailing confusion. A spiritual person’s importance diminishes if not accompanied by service through the physical body. Jesus embodied the principle of service throughout His ministry, never being found idle. The teacher’s timeless recommendation remains ignored.
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.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” 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—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:2028 NKJV).
The Scripture quoted above offers a clear directive on the essence of leadership. Jesus’ response to the mother of Zebedee’s sons, following her special request, unveiled the widespread misunderstanding among people. The brothers embodied the global assumption of greatness. Yet, Jesus highlighted their lack of awareness regarding their true beneficial intentions. Their request was appropriate in a worldly sense, but it missed the mark in a spiritual context. Their request implied the opposite of their anticipated favourable consideration.
When questioned if they could endure the pressures that accompany positions of authority, they responded affirmatively. However, Jesus then exposed another profound misconception they all held. At that time, they were unaware that the path to promotion in God’s Kingdom is through humility (James 4:10). Fulfilling all the duties of a faithful servant does not necessarily guarantee promotion, as it is ultimately at God’s discretion.
The discontent among the ten disciples was reflective of human nature. It is common for people to become irritated by those who appear to seek advancement. This underscores the issue of competition, with which humans are often preoccupied. Rather than wishing success for others, many strive to surpass their peers. Jesus recognized a moment to impart a lesson they had yet to grasp fully: true greatness means striving for what is contrary to human preference.
It should have been understood that Jesus was the servant of humanity, not their master. A master would typically sacrifice the least of his servants before sacrificing himself. This is the common understanding among many. Yet, Jesus took the time to correct this misconception. The one who aspires to be the leader should be the one to sacrifice for others’ lives. Although many believe that Jesus deserved honour, He chose to take the place of the most despised offender, Barabbas. The verdict of replacing Jesus with Barabbas was by ordinary people.
In contemplating the principle of achieving the greatest good, one might expect the vilest offender to pay humanity’s ransom. Yet, Jesus exemplified the contrary. To grasp the principle behind such behaviour, it’s necessary to ponder the underlying rationale. Jesus’ role as the sacrifice for all humanity was primarily based on the value of human potential. This ratifies the belief that humans were made in the image of God. Nevertheless, humanity’s most significant failing is the pride propagated by their formidable foe, known as the devil or Satan.
Satan’s aspiration to surpass God is what precipitated his fall. Pride, as promoted by the architect of pride, is the blinding factor that affects humanity. The Zebedee brothers, generally virtuous, likely merited the advancement they sought. However, they were oblivious to the provocateur behind their ambition. In this world, the desire for promotion is common. People pray for advancement, not realizing that, in a spiritual sense, it can lead to their decline. True greatness lies in adopting a posture of service, as demonstrated by Jesus.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV).
Zimbabwe is presently suffering from a state of decline, often attributed to its leaders rather than the less privileged in society. However, if one applies the principle recommended by Jesus, it is the less privileged that primarily bear the responsibility for such conditions. Thus, it is incorrect to assign responsibility to those who are on the path of decline, by aspiring for leadership positions. Instead, those in positions of servitude should take on leadership responsibilities, without shifting the blame to the irresponsible ones occupying top positions. This perspective should not be seen as an encouragement for rebellion, but rather as a principle that needs to be put into practice. Service is senior to being served.
The current trend is a scramble for top positions deemed irrelevant, leaving those in service roles feeling powerless. In Zimbabwe, as in other countries, Members of Parliament are often addressed as “honourable,” while the president is referred to as, “His Excellency.” They enjoy privileges envied by those lower in rank, who seem oblivious to the accountability that accompanies the service burden. This is indicative of the underlying confusion.
Society’s highest roles should be filled by those aiming to serve selflessly, not by those seeking to be served. The complexity arises not from the principle itself, but from a widespread misunderstanding of it. The average person often misconstrues authority as a means to be served by others. However, if there were proper education for ordinary people to grasp this concept, leadership confusion would dissipate. With a clear definition of democracy, the appropriate candidates would be chosen for these roles.
Currently, all wrongness is blamed on people who should have never been allowed in positions of authority. The first excuse for that stupidity is where the judiciary is abused, or said to have been captured by the wrong people. However, the facilitation of such development starts with not knowing the principle of service being senior to being served. Officeholders are treated with honor, rather than expecting them to account for their responsibilities. Expecting significant progress in the presence of fundamental confusion is unwise.
In the construction of a skyscraper, engineers are well-versed in the knowledge that a solid foundation is of utmost importance. Only an imprudent individual would invest in a valuable construction lacking a robust foundation. Without sturdy pillars, the structure is doomed to collapse, despite any promotional fanfare. Failures stem from confusion, a lack of understanding or not valuing the essential elements that form the foundation.
The principle of service is often seen as the primary reason for Jesus’s ministry. He presented Himself as the light of the world, with the core of His message being the principle of service. This aligns with the belief that humanity was created in God’s image, encouraging each individual to view others as divine creations and serve them selflessly. To underscore this, Jesus gave His disciples a practical demonstration of service, before His crucifixion.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet but is completely clean, and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:3-17 NKJV).
Jesus imparted many significant teachings to His disciples. However, in the highlighted episode, He underscored that the principle of service was paramount above all. Although He had thoroughly taught this principle previously, He realized His disciples had not completely understood it. Through that demonstration, Jesus was reinforcing its importance to His disciples. Known for his zeal, Peter sought to express his steadfast support for his Master by declining to be washed by Him. He was still clinging to the notion that true greatness was to be served.
Jesus emphasized that Peter’s attitude was not fitting for one to be considered for apostleship. The disciples were seen as the foundational pillars of God’s Church, their worth rooted in the understanding that service was paramount. Without grasping this principle, one could not count themselves among Jesus’ disciples. After hearing of the possibility of being rejected by Jesus, Peter hysterically desired Jesus to wash his entire body. Peter’s opportunity for escape was because he had a gracious master.
This act was not just for ceremony; it was a tangible lesson in the principle of service. Jesus intended for this to deeply resonate with His disciples, who formed the cornerstone of His Church. They looked up to Jesus as their Lord. It was unprecedented for one who is customarily served to assume the role of a servant to His subordinates. This remarkable act of humility was meant to be a lasting example for the disciples in all their future endeavours. He promised them blessings if they practised what He had taught, underscoring its significance.
Viewing this practice as common sense rather than peculiar to the Kingdom of God is more fitting. In a typical family, isn’t it usual for the father to eat last, ensuring the children are fed first? It would be unthinkable for a sane parent to satisfy their own hunger while their children suffer. The disciples were expected to embody this principle, shining as beacons in a world darkened by such madness. To improve the world, the teachings of Jesus must be implemented across all aspects of life; without them, the decline will persist.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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