JESUS SHIFTS THE POWER PARADIGM

LUKE 22:24-27 NKJ 
24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. 

A paradigm is a pattern or example of something, a model.  The quest for power, who is the greatest, was the reason for the disciples' dispute.  They were working off the world's model, where the greatest were the ones who ruled.  The greatest exercise authority.  The greatest were the dominant ones.   

But then Jesus changed that power paradigm to how things worked in His Kingdom.  In His Kingdom, the greatest assumed a lower position of the younger.  Youth was not as exalted in ancient cultures.  In His Kingdom, the ones governing and leading were the ones who serve.   

Jesus, the greatest of all time, came as one who serves.  One who helps others.  One who was not fighting for power but rather using His power to better the lives of those around Him. He was one who came as a servant, not a ruler.  Jesus' statement, "I am among you as the One who serves," shifted the power paradigm forever.   

Jesus constantly challenged conventional thinking.  To come as a servant was a foreign concept in a culture that understood that rulers wielded power and control.   

We see that same paradigm shift still happening today.  People are still jockeying for power, yet in the church the real leaders are the ones who serve others.   

APPLICATION 

How are you doing in the serve department?  In today's culture, the servant is the position no one wants.  Everyone wants to be the top dog.   

But, In God's Kingdom, the great ones are the ones who follow Jesus' model.  Using their talents and gifts to bless others is the way to greatness.   

Everyone can't be number one.  But everyone can serve, and in God's Kingdom paradigm, everyone can be great.  So, forget worrying about titles, recognition, and position.  Just follow the Jesus model and be a blessing.  And welcome to Kingdom greatness.   

PRAYER 

Dear Lord, teach me to serve and to follow Your model.  I desire Kingdom greatness, not the temporary power of earthly kingdoms.  Teach me to be, at heart, more like You.