Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

MATTHEW 20:25-28

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In this passage – the most famous talk on leadership given by the most powerful leader ever – Jesus begins by reflecting on the leadership style of the Gentiles’ rulers. He highlights how the system of power through which they held their statusnwas often experienced by others as a form of intimidation and control. Be it micro-managing, bullying, gaslighting, or manipulation, this was how people led and how the state was governed. This was not only expected, but encouraged.

Jesus speaks to his disciples, the incoming leadership team, and calls them not only to subvert their power but surrender it – to become servants and slaves. What?! It’s like being given a promotion and told that your role as director begins with scrubbing the loos.

Jesus’ teaching on authority, up to and even after his death on the cross, was clearly revolutionary. It was characterised by servanthood and humility – a willingness to serve rather than being served. This is unexpected. This is inconvenient. This is ironic.

A poignant moment of this ministry was Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, which we read about in John 13:1–17. Here, Jesus demonstrates how even God, with all authority in heaven and on earth, can humble himself to washing his staff team’s feet! Surely, he would have delegated that to someone else? In verse 15, Jesus says, ‘I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’

The Easter season is a powerful reminder of this kind of authority. Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection challenged the societal expectation of what characterised a kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom should direct all our positions of power to service and sacrifice.

This model of authority probably challenges our expectations of leadership. Perhaps we see politicians, police, lawyers, and all laity alike use their positions to control and dominate. Or even closer to home, we have a boss or line manager who is unkind or conceited, condescending or self-promoting.

As we sit under the authority of leaders, or become leaders ourselves, the story and irony of Easter has a lot of wisdom for how we’re to navigate these positions of power. Jesus, as a model but also as God, should be the ultimate example. First, his power in and through us is a gift. Second, the weakness we as humans exhibit reminds us that we need his sacrifice and his forgiveness.

The question of authority remains: how might we do what Jesus did?

Al and Mims Atkinson 
Al works as a lobbyist and Mims is LICC’s Culture and Discipleship Project Lead. 

How might you wield whatever authority you have in a more Christlike way?