Greatness is gained through service. Read Matthew 20:28. Jesus changed the leadership model for Christians. Throughout history, a leader is one who has authority over people. A leader makes decisions and tells other people what to do and when to do it. A leader is in control and demands loyalty. Jesus’ model of leadership was very different. Jesus showed his leadership through service. In the 1970’s, Robert Greenleaf published a book called "Servant Leadership," and Indiana State University became the nation’s leader in educating future servant leaders. The course emphasized the importance of leaders who build community by listening to others, empathizing with them, and seeking to identify the will of the group. It stated, “A Servant Leader is committed to the personal, professional, and spiritual growth of each individual within the organization.” Just before Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the mother of James and John made a request. Anticipating Jesus would be king of Israel, she asked that each son sit on either side of Jesus. Basically, she asked if they could be second and third in command after Jesus. Jesus responded that in order for her sons to receive greatness, they would have to become like him, a servant. Jesus calls us to follow him. We follow Jesus because we believe that Jesus is the resurrected one. We also follow because we believe that Jesus loves us and cares about us. Jesus is our model for how to live and especially for how to be a leader.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we put our faith in you and commit ourselves to following you. As our leader, teach us your ways. May we seek greatness through serving others. Amen.