Leadership In the Kingdom
Mark 10:32-45
They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way
Jesus always leads the way, he sets the pace, the direction, he determines the tenor or attitude of the groups and situation.
at times he sets off with a determination (Mark 1:38 "Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.") other times he waits (Lazarus Jn 11) he tells the disciples what to do, how to do it, when to do it - He is leading these people.
He also knows his time with them is coming to a close and He is going to have to get his disciples ready to lead - as he would - once he is gone. In this passage Jesus gives a clear picture of what leadership looks like in His Fathers Kingdom, and it is very different from what they expect, or know. It is very different for us today as well. The world hasn't changed all that much in how and why people lead others.
Here is a scenario I have witnessed many different times:
A manager who called her group together one afternoon, she had just left a meeting with her manager that lasted all morning. Her face was serious, not harsh or frightened, but determined. for the next several hours she told her team how the company was coming into a very critical time in the life of the company, the future growth of the company was on the line. She described how they had to strategically meet some needs of their customers and address the challenges their competition had presented. This teams ability to address these issues was crucial, and if they failed they would loose some significant contracts. Timeliness was essential - the team was going to be divided into sub-teams and everyone would need to work long hours for 2-3 weeks and probably weekends too, depending on their progress. The manager assured the group that they could step up to the challenge, it was going to be a difficult few weeks, but it could take their company to a new level that could be quite exciting for everyone. They would need some sub-teams to focus on different areas but this project was the priority and everyone would need to support each other and if they needed something, she was going to be right there to help them.
As the meeting was breaking up, one of the guys came up to the manager, a light hearted guy, who was well liked in the group and showed promise in his career. He had only been with the company about a year, but in that time had gained the opportunity to go with the manager to some important meetings. He came to the manager and said, "you said if we needed something to let you know, well, you see, me and a couple of buddies have been planning this camping trip for a month and we are going to be gone next weekend, so I need you to let me off." "and oh, by the way, I hope you will let me lead one of these sub-teams, you know I can do a good job!"
This guy wants to lead but he wants to do it on his terms, the way that is most convenient to him.
he did not understand the significance of what they were going to be doing - he didnt understand how important it was to others around him. he heard his manager describe the situation, but his mind was someplace else, on what was important to him.
Jesus just describes what is about to happen (3rd time) in graphic detail - betrayed / condemned / mock / spit / flog / kill / rise in three days; and as soon as he finished describing what the situation was that they were entering into James and John reveal what was really on their mind.
The significance of Leadership
Sometimes people get it and other times we don't. Often people think they can do a great job of leading until they get a clear picture of what is involved.
The interest in rank, authority, 'whose in charge' is always very prevelant in the minds of people. Who is going to decide what is going to get done?
We need leaders - Humanity has needed leaders through out the ages. We have not matured to the point that we dont need leaders
the disciples were not immune to such concerns -
Mark 9:33 ... they had argued about who was the greatest
Jesus silenced that argument, but it was not resolved - now the brothers brazenly bring it up. the argument has advanced from "who will be the greatest" among them to now James and John have some specific and strategic requests. with the 'early bird gets the worm' , 'snooze you loose', 'first to the post' approach. They want to make sure they get the best seats.
like watching some children fighting over who gets 'shotgun' - the front passenger seat, their running and calling it on the way, a little louder than everyone else just to make sure their voice gets heard over the others. Riding in the front seat is setting next to mom or dad - sitting 'up front', for sure the 'cooler' place to be in the car.
w
sometimes adults take that approach in leadership - the corner office is always 'cooler' - 'glass is class' - the more glass on the walls, windows with a view, the more important the person is.
sometimes it looks like this: the larger the organization I have reporting to me, the more people i manage the more important i am.
I had a manager once named Alan, he wasn't particularly good manager, but he was good at socializing with the boss and talking like he knew alot. His goal was to get more and more people working for him so he would feel good about himself, he had a very different picture of leadership than what Jesus had and would want us to understand.
the Zebedee brothers were looking to secure their special places of authority. they wanted to be 'crown princes' sitting on co-thrones with Jesus.
They were really no different than Peter and the other disciples who envisioned an earthly kingdom established and run according to human norms. They misinterpret what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah and assume that when he ushers in a new age, they as His friends would receive some special privileges. They forsee themselves as the elite of the elite ruling over others in an earthly empire.
Either Jesus preceding words about his suffering either whistled right by them or perhaps they hope that his troubles will only be a temporary setback. But, when they hear Jesus words of his impending suffering all they hear are his comments about his coming in glory with all his holy angels. Since they were the first to called to follow him, then certainly they will be the first in glory.
Still today, we can think leadership has something to do with seniority, longevity. I have been here long enough to be in a position of leadership. we can think that at work, we can think that in church, in our ministry.
What James and John didnt realize was that Jesus glory will not be fully manifest until after the tribulation (Mk 13:24-26)
they also didnt realize that the cross was the first step towards Jesus glory and that two bandits would be crucified "one on his right and one on his left" Mk 15:27
but the brothers are not asking for the honor of being crucified with Jesus, They thought leadership was about achieving a position of respect, a position of authority - where people would look to you (and preferably up to you but not because you are on a cross)
what they are looking for is a kingdom for themselves where they can impose their desires on others, they can call the shots.
the worldly ambition to be at the top and beat down others is still alive and active.
James / John did not understand what leadership was about - they were naive, immature
They did not understand the significance of what leadership was calling a person too. they did not understand what the role of a leader was
Leadership is never about the leader, but those being led.
In the presidential election, Obama worked hard to keep the election from focusing on the fact that he was black. He did not want to be elected simply because he was a man of a racial minority. There were many others who wanted him elected simply because he was black, because they had felt their race had been deprived of opportunities to lead, and while that has been true, that is not a reason to put a person in leadership - that was entirely the wrong reason for Obama to be elected. The significance of leadership is never about the leader but about those being led and what the leader is being called to do, where he is taking them.
Jesus even demonstrates this in the midst of the disciples naivete
the brothers = "we want you to do for us whatever we ask"
Jesus = "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
Leaders dont' ask "what can you do for me..." but instead "what can I do for you..." they know that by helping those they are leading to succeed in the midst of doing whatever they are doing then the mission is accomplished and the people flourish - they have succeeded.
There is a misconception that leaders can do whatever they want to do, but in the Kingdom -
Leadership in the Kingdom requires a submissive heart
While Jesus was always the leader of the disciples and this new movement that would soon impact all humainty for the rest of human history, Jesus also knew he was a person under authority that required his submission.
Mark 10:39 "We can," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."
There are more important things at stake to the leader than his or her own interests
Jesus acknowledged there were things he didn't know and things he didn't have the authority to do. good leaders stay under authority and not only help not only those they are leading to succeed but also those they answer to to succeed.
the boys want to identify their "places to sit" - their "positions of power"
Jesus responds with cups and baptism - sacrifices - activities accomplished in humility
baptism - submission to authority / obedience
cup - Lords supper - blood shed for others
to the boys - spiritual authority and positions of power look like an opportunity to be recognized (by others), it is what they had known, had only been modeled by scribes, rabbis, teachers of law, priests who exercised their authority as a result of their 'position' - this is what they knew (until Jesus came)
Jesus turns that picture upside down.
The Kingdom of God requires a higher standard of leadership
Mark 10:41 "When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead..."
Leadership in the Kingdom is 'upside down' different from leadership in the world
Jesus knows that leaders in God's kingdom know what they bring to the table. They make a significant contribution and it raises them up to a higher standard of leadership. the contribution these men and women make sets them apart from the rulers of the Gentiles and other high officials.
Jesus does recognize there are positions at his left / right - but they are not his to 'give away' - he stays under the authority of the Father
Jn 17 jesus describes how it is at Calvary that he enters his glory - and the ones on the left / right are outcast criminals - only one recognizes Jesus for who he is.
James & John were not the only ones who had a wrong picture of leadership in the Kingdom -
the other 10 became indignant with them, not that they had gotten it wrong, but they got there first and now the others will have to 'negotiate' their place
Jesus recognizes the worlds system of leadership / authority / power -
rule / lord over / exercise authorty - Romans
Ken Blanchard: "Servant Leadership is about getting people to a higher level by leading people at a higher level"
Leadership in the Kingdom of God looks like a servant
42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all
whoever wants to be great - must become servant
first - slave of all
Ann McGee-Cooper "Servant Leadership is not about a personal quest for power, prestige, or material rewards. Instead, from this perspective, leadership begins with a true motivation to serve others."
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve
The worldly perspective of leadership wants others to recognize the leader and to serve the leaders interests and goals
instead a servant leader seeks to help the ones they are leading to succeed.
In a marriage, the husband and wife must learn to serve the other and the mariage will succeed. When the wife is only interested in getting her husband to do what she wants, the way she wants it done and then all the credit for it happening, then the marriage is in for some rocky days.
When a husband learns to love his wife and give himself up for her, when wives are willing to submit to their husbands and serve them then everyones needs are met and the relationships are stronger.
When everyone is out for themselves, and seeks to get others to do what they want when and how they want it, then everyone is hurt. and people start looking to have their 'rights' protected and fulfilled.
Jesus calls us to Sacrificial Leadership
in the late 1970's the United States was going through another great recession - interest rates were higher than they had ever been, oil prices were skyrocketing and Chrysler, the car company was in desparate straights. Its market share had fallen to a measly 8% but they had a new man at the helm, Lee Iacocca. Iacocca had been at Ford motor company for 40 yrs and when he retired was the number 2 man under Henry Ford II. When Iacocca took over he exercised many opportunities to demonstrate what sacrificial leadership looked like, with perhaps the greatest personal sacrifice of all - going before congress to ask for a loan to keep the company alive. Iacocca had developed a reputation for being very critical of government involvement in business and now he had his hat in his hand and a plate full of crow. He described it as:
In the minds of Congress and the media, we had sinned. We had missed the market, and we deserved to be punished.
And punished we were. During the congressional hearings we were held up before the entire world as a living example of everything that was wrong with American industry. We were humiliated on the editorial pages for not having the decency to give up and die gracefully... Our wives and kids were the butt of jokes in shopping malls and schools. It was a far higher price to pay than just closing the doors adn walking away. It was personal. It was pointed. And it was painful.
Swallowing his pride was a heroic sacrifice for Iacocca, one that many corporate executives would not have made, but it was the price he had to pay.
Another price he paid at the time was to reduce his salary to $1 per year, then he asked Chrysler's top executives to take a 10% pay cut, then he asked for and received concessions from the unions. For Chrysler to succeed they would all have to make sacrifices together, but none more than he would make as the leader.
By 1982 Chrysler had generated a profit of $925M and by 1983 was able to repay all its loans.
Most people dont realize that the true nature of leadership is sacrifice - and it is a constant, ongoing process - not a one time payment.
Leaders who want to rise have to do more than take an occasional cut in pay, but they learn to give up their rights
Gerald Brooks says: "When you become a leader, you lose the right to think about yourself."
As responsiblities increase, personal rights must decrease.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "for everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else"
There is a price to leadership that requires the leader to make sacrifices.
Jesus asks the brothers - and every leader in God's Kingdom - "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
the cup is a metaphor for suffering - they had not yet experienced the Lords Supper, but Jesus knew the sacrificed that he would 'drink in'
baptism is a picture of being plunged into his death. He will not be sprinkled with a bit of suffering, but he will be submerged in it and he asks if they are willing to share in his fate. To be doused with the waters of hardship and trial. He knew his disciples would experience great glory, but they were each going to experience great troubles becasuse they were leading his people to know and follow him. James would be the first to be killed in a few short.
To share in his kingdom is to share in his passion
submissive, obedient leadership is learned through suffering - and even God's Son was not exempt. (Heb 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered)
Jesus told his disciples he must die, but this is the only passage that tells us why he must die.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The term ransom meant - the compensation for a personal injury; crime
purchasing freedom of an enslaved relative
in extrabiblical sources - the amount paid to free a slave or prisoner -
redeem a pledge, or reclaim something pawned
ransom was connected to the idea of cost, substitution, and atonement
Leaders are called to give their lives, their time, ambitions, personal desires for the sake of others.
Leaders get up early and stay late for the sake of others
Leaders pay the tab for others when no one else does
Leaders make the phone calls, we make arrangements for others and when
Leaders cook, AND clean up after others
Leaders serve them so they can see and respond to Jesus call in their life.
leaders in the kingdom have authortity becasue they serve with an attitude of love
James and John wanted to have a postion to exert their influence, not to pay a price and serve.
to know and understand Jesus requires us to accept his destiny as a Messiah who dies for others and then accept that same destiny for ourselves.
Mark 8:34-35
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
one ransomed - owes the debt of thier life. - 1 Cor 6:19-20 You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.
Ministry in the kingdom /
Ministry in the church -
looks like laying down ones life for others - seeking the best for them, not ones self.
Jesus is talking about all that he is about to give, the disciples come with a shopping list of all they want to get.
The absurdity of this scene brings the judgement of the cross on our selfish abmitions and our maneuvering for postion and power.
not exercising ones own desires but fulfilling someone elses - our Fathers and those He places around us.
They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way
Jesus always leads the way, he sets the pace, the direction, he determines the tenor or attitude of the groups and situation.
at times he sets off with a determination (Mark 1:38 "Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.") other times he waits (Lazarus Jn 11) he tells the disciples what to do, how to do it, when to do it - He is leading these people.
He also knows his time with them is coming to a close and He is going to have to get his disciples ready to lead - as he would - once he is gone. In this passage Jesus gives a clear picture of what leadership looks like in His Fathers Kingdom, and it is very different from what they expect, or know. It is very different for us today as well. The world hasn't changed all that much in how and why people lead others.
Here is a scenario I have witnessed many different times:
A manager who called her group together one afternoon, she had just left a meeting with her manager that lasted all morning. Her face was serious, not harsh or frightened, but determined. for the next several hours she told her team how the company was coming into a very critical time in the life of the company, the future growth of the company was on the line. She described how they had to strategically meet some needs of their customers and address the challenges their competition had presented. This teams ability to address these issues was crucial, and if they failed they would loose some significant contracts. Timeliness was essential - the team was going to be divided into sub-teams and everyone would need to work long hours for 2-3 weeks and probably weekends too, depending on their progress. The manager assured the group that they could step up to the challenge, it was going to be a difficult few weeks, but it could take their company to a new level that could be quite exciting for everyone. They would need some sub-teams to focus on different areas but this project was the priority and everyone would need to support each other and if they needed something, she was going to be right there to help them.
As the meeting was breaking up, one of the guys came up to the manager, a light hearted guy, who was well liked in the group and showed promise in his career. He had only been with the company about a year, but in that time had gained the opportunity to go with the manager to some important meetings. He came to the manager and said, "you said if we needed something to let you know, well, you see, me and a couple of buddies have been planning this camping trip for a month and we are going to be gone next weekend, so I need you to let me off." "and oh, by the way, I hope you will let me lead one of these sub-teams, you know I can do a good job!"
This guy wants to lead but he wants to do it on his terms, the way that is most convenient to him.
he did not understand the significance of what they were going to be doing - he didnt understand how important it was to others around him. he heard his manager describe the situation, but his mind was someplace else, on what was important to him.
Jesus just describes what is about to happen (3rd time) in graphic detail - betrayed / condemned / mock / spit / flog / kill / rise in three days; and as soon as he finished describing what the situation was that they were entering into James and John reveal what was really on their mind.
The significance of Leadership
Sometimes people get it and other times we don't. Often people think they can do a great job of leading until they get a clear picture of what is involved.
The interest in rank, authority, 'whose in charge' is always very prevelant in the minds of people. Who is going to decide what is going to get done?
We need leaders - Humanity has needed leaders through out the ages. We have not matured to the point that we dont need leaders
the disciples were not immune to such concerns -
Mark 9:33 ... they had argued about who was the greatest
Jesus silenced that argument, but it was not resolved - now the brothers brazenly bring it up. the argument has advanced from "who will be the greatest" among them to now James and John have some specific and strategic requests. with the 'early bird gets the worm' , 'snooze you loose', 'first to the post' approach. They want to make sure they get the best seats.
like watching some children fighting over who gets 'shotgun' - the front passenger seat, their running and calling it on the way, a little louder than everyone else just to make sure their voice gets heard over the others. Riding in the front seat is setting next to mom or dad - sitting 'up front', for sure the 'cooler' place to be in the car.
w
sometimes adults take that approach in leadership - the corner office is always 'cooler' - 'glass is class' - the more glass on the walls, windows with a view, the more important the person is.
sometimes it looks like this: the larger the organization I have reporting to me, the more people i manage the more important i am.
I had a manager once named Alan, he wasn't particularly good manager, but he was good at socializing with the boss and talking like he knew alot. His goal was to get more and more people working for him so he would feel good about himself, he had a very different picture of leadership than what Jesus had and would want us to understand.
the Zebedee brothers were looking to secure their special places of authority. they wanted to be 'crown princes' sitting on co-thrones with Jesus.
They were really no different than Peter and the other disciples who envisioned an earthly kingdom established and run according to human norms. They misinterpret what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah and assume that when he ushers in a new age, they as His friends would receive some special privileges. They forsee themselves as the elite of the elite ruling over others in an earthly empire.
Either Jesus preceding words about his suffering either whistled right by them or perhaps they hope that his troubles will only be a temporary setback. But, when they hear Jesus words of his impending suffering all they hear are his comments about his coming in glory with all his holy angels. Since they were the first to called to follow him, then certainly they will be the first in glory.
Still today, we can think leadership has something to do with seniority, longevity. I have been here long enough to be in a position of leadership. we can think that at work, we can think that in church, in our ministry.
What James and John didnt realize was that Jesus glory will not be fully manifest until after the tribulation (Mk 13:24-26)
they also didnt realize that the cross was the first step towards Jesus glory and that two bandits would be crucified "one on his right and one on his left" Mk 15:27
but the brothers are not asking for the honor of being crucified with Jesus, They thought leadership was about achieving a position of respect, a position of authority - where people would look to you (and preferably up to you but not because you are on a cross)
what they are looking for is a kingdom for themselves where they can impose their desires on others, they can call the shots.
the worldly ambition to be at the top and beat down others is still alive and active.
James / John did not understand what leadership was about - they were naive, immature
They did not understand the significance of what leadership was calling a person too. they did not understand what the role of a leader was
Leadership is never about the leader, but those being led.
In the presidential election, Obama worked hard to keep the election from focusing on the fact that he was black. He did not want to be elected simply because he was a man of a racial minority. There were many others who wanted him elected simply because he was black, because they had felt their race had been deprived of opportunities to lead, and while that has been true, that is not a reason to put a person in leadership - that was entirely the wrong reason for Obama to be elected. The significance of leadership is never about the leader but about those being led and what the leader is being called to do, where he is taking them.
Jesus even demonstrates this in the midst of the disciples naivete
the brothers = "we want you to do for us whatever we ask"
Jesus = "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
Leaders dont' ask "what can you do for me..." but instead "what can I do for you..." they know that by helping those they are leading to succeed in the midst of doing whatever they are doing then the mission is accomplished and the people flourish - they have succeeded.
There is a misconception that leaders can do whatever they want to do, but in the Kingdom -
Leadership in the Kingdom requires a submissive heart
While Jesus was always the leader of the disciples and this new movement that would soon impact all humainty for the rest of human history, Jesus also knew he was a person under authority that required his submission.
Mark 10:39 "We can," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."
There are more important things at stake to the leader than his or her own interests
Jesus acknowledged there were things he didn't know and things he didn't have the authority to do. good leaders stay under authority and not only help not only those they are leading to succeed but also those they answer to to succeed.
the boys want to identify their "places to sit" - their "positions of power"
Jesus responds with cups and baptism - sacrifices - activities accomplished in humility
baptism - submission to authority / obedience
cup - Lords supper - blood shed for others
to the boys - spiritual authority and positions of power look like an opportunity to be recognized (by others), it is what they had known, had only been modeled by scribes, rabbis, teachers of law, priests who exercised their authority as a result of their 'position' - this is what they knew (until Jesus came)
Jesus turns that picture upside down.
The Kingdom of God requires a higher standard of leadership
Mark 10:41 "When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead..."
Leadership in the Kingdom is 'upside down' different from leadership in the world
Jesus knows that leaders in God's kingdom know what they bring to the table. They make a significant contribution and it raises them up to a higher standard of leadership. the contribution these men and women make sets them apart from the rulers of the Gentiles and other high officials.
Jesus does recognize there are positions at his left / right - but they are not his to 'give away' - he stays under the authority of the Father
Jn 17 jesus describes how it is at Calvary that he enters his glory - and the ones on the left / right are outcast criminals - only one recognizes Jesus for who he is.
James & John were not the only ones who had a wrong picture of leadership in the Kingdom -
the other 10 became indignant with them, not that they had gotten it wrong, but they got there first and now the others will have to 'negotiate' their place
Jesus recognizes the worlds system of leadership / authority / power -
rule / lord over / exercise authorty - Romans
Ken Blanchard: "Servant Leadership is about getting people to a higher level by leading people at a higher level"
Leadership in the Kingdom of God looks like a servant
42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all
whoever wants to be great - must become servant
first - slave of all
Ann McGee-Cooper "Servant Leadership is not about a personal quest for power, prestige, or material rewards. Instead, from this perspective, leadership begins with a true motivation to serve others."
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve
The worldly perspective of leadership wants others to recognize the leader and to serve the leaders interests and goals
instead a servant leader seeks to help the ones they are leading to succeed.
In a marriage, the husband and wife must learn to serve the other and the mariage will succeed. When the wife is only interested in getting her husband to do what she wants, the way she wants it done and then all the credit for it happening, then the marriage is in for some rocky days.
When a husband learns to love his wife and give himself up for her, when wives are willing to submit to their husbands and serve them then everyones needs are met and the relationships are stronger.
When everyone is out for themselves, and seeks to get others to do what they want when and how they want it, then everyone is hurt. and people start looking to have their 'rights' protected and fulfilled.
Jesus calls us to Sacrificial Leadership
in the late 1970's the United States was going through another great recession - interest rates were higher than they had ever been, oil prices were skyrocketing and Chrysler, the car company was in desparate straights. Its market share had fallen to a measly 8% but they had a new man at the helm, Lee Iacocca. Iacocca had been at Ford motor company for 40 yrs and when he retired was the number 2 man under Henry Ford II. When Iacocca took over he exercised many opportunities to demonstrate what sacrificial leadership looked like, with perhaps the greatest personal sacrifice of all - going before congress to ask for a loan to keep the company alive. Iacocca had developed a reputation for being very critical of government involvement in business and now he had his hat in his hand and a plate full of crow. He described it as:
In the minds of Congress and the media, we had sinned. We had missed the market, and we deserved to be punished.
And punished we were. During the congressional hearings we were held up before the entire world as a living example of everything that was wrong with American industry. We were humiliated on the editorial pages for not having the decency to give up and die gracefully... Our wives and kids were the butt of jokes in shopping malls and schools. It was a far higher price to pay than just closing the doors adn walking away. It was personal. It was pointed. And it was painful.
Swallowing his pride was a heroic sacrifice for Iacocca, one that many corporate executives would not have made, but it was the price he had to pay.
Another price he paid at the time was to reduce his salary to $1 per year, then he asked Chrysler's top executives to take a 10% pay cut, then he asked for and received concessions from the unions. For Chrysler to succeed they would all have to make sacrifices together, but none more than he would make as the leader.
By 1982 Chrysler had generated a profit of $925M and by 1983 was able to repay all its loans.
Most people dont realize that the true nature of leadership is sacrifice - and it is a constant, ongoing process - not a one time payment.
Leaders who want to rise have to do more than take an occasional cut in pay, but they learn to give up their rights
Gerald Brooks says: "When you become a leader, you lose the right to think about yourself."
As responsiblities increase, personal rights must decrease.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "for everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else"
There is a price to leadership that requires the leader to make sacrifices.
Jesus asks the brothers - and every leader in God's Kingdom - "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
the cup is a metaphor for suffering - they had not yet experienced the Lords Supper, but Jesus knew the sacrificed that he would 'drink in'
baptism is a picture of being plunged into his death. He will not be sprinkled with a bit of suffering, but he will be submerged in it and he asks if they are willing to share in his fate. To be doused with the waters of hardship and trial. He knew his disciples would experience great glory, but they were each going to experience great troubles becasuse they were leading his people to know and follow him. James would be the first to be killed in a few short.
To share in his kingdom is to share in his passion
submissive, obedient leadership is learned through suffering - and even God's Son was not exempt. (Heb 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered)
Jesus told his disciples he must die, but this is the only passage that tells us why he must die.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The term ransom meant - the compensation for a personal injury; crime
purchasing freedom of an enslaved relative
in extrabiblical sources - the amount paid to free a slave or prisoner -
redeem a pledge, or reclaim something pawned
ransom was connected to the idea of cost, substitution, and atonement
Leaders are called to give their lives, their time, ambitions, personal desires for the sake of others.
Leaders get up early and stay late for the sake of others
Leaders pay the tab for others when no one else does
Leaders make the phone calls, we make arrangements for others and when
Leaders cook, AND clean up after others
Leaders serve them so they can see and respond to Jesus call in their life.
leaders in the kingdom have authortity becasue they serve with an attitude of love
James and John wanted to have a postion to exert their influence, not to pay a price and serve.
to know and understand Jesus requires us to accept his destiny as a Messiah who dies for others and then accept that same destiny for ourselves.
Mark 8:34-35
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
one ransomed - owes the debt of thier life. - 1 Cor 6:19-20 You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.
Ministry in the kingdom /
Ministry in the church -
looks like laying down ones life for others - seeking the best for them, not ones self.
Jesus is talking about all that he is about to give, the disciples come with a shopping list of all they want to get.
The absurdity of this scene brings the judgement of the cross on our selfish abmitions and our maneuvering for postion and power.
not exercising ones own desires but fulfilling someone elses - our Fathers and those He places around us.