Two of the twelve wanted to be elevated above the rest in status, according to empire values.
They wanted to be considered greater than the rest of their sisters and brothers, to be privileged and among the elite who are entitled to more acclaim, adulation and admiration for being closer to the greatest of them all.
Jesus, considered the greatest among them, pointed out to them that there is a price to being the greatest, at least for those who live Kingdom values. The greatest servant among servants in the Kingdom is the one who sacrifices the greatest, and perhaps they were not ready for that kind of being lifted up.
The other ten were angry. Perhaps they too aspired to be considered for elevation above others, and these two brothers dared to come out and ask for it. It was a teaching moment on the Kingdom.
Jesus addressed the Roman values of which everyone being occupied was painfully aware, and addressed the temptation of those who were victimized by their love for wealth, power and status to adopt these empire values as their own for the sake of what they might gain for themselves.
Empire values are not gracious and loving in any way. They prevent the living of Agape Love. These values are the antithesis of living Agape Love. The striving for more, always more wealth, power and status are not about committed action to the other or others who are stranger, enemy and most vulnerable, but rather about getting more by any means for self or those associated or just like self. It is inwardly focused and not self-sacrificial in any way. Empire values do not elevate all equally, but always some above the rest. Empire values, in fact, necessitate the victimization of some for the sake of others, and the building of a great disparity in well-being due to the great disparity of wealth, power and status among peoples. In empire, many are exploited, manipulated and even destroyed for the enhanced pleasure of the few. There is no Agape Love in it. Those who aspire to live Kingdom Values dare not adopt these values, or they have wandered from the Lord and the Kingdom, having no Agape Love or Grace within them.
Kingdom Values define greatness differently. Valuing the well-being of all, equally means that enough for all is lifted up as a primary concern in the Kingdom. Jesus taught this, commanded it and modeled it, as we have witness by the Gospel writers. If someone does not have what they need, those who live Kingdom Values will sacrifice of their abundance in order for their need to be met. It is the Law of Agape Love and Grace, not founded on "deserving", entitlement or privilege but built on the Kingdom Value that all are of worth, equally. Jesus defines greatness by whoever serves as a
doulos, a slave. If one wishes to be great in the Kingdom, one must greatly serve others. A public servant serves the public. A follower of Jesus serves God by serving humanity. It is not about what we get in empire value terms, but rather what we are able to give that defines us as people who live the Kingdom Values taught, commanded and modeled by Jesus. Jesus is our example - the greatest among us, Son of God, who refers to Himself as Son of Man - and who gave up any Glory or Greatness in empire value terms to rise to Greatness in serving others according to Kingdom Values.
So, do you want to be "greater than" others according to empire values, or greater than you were before according to Kingdom of God Values? Mark 10:35-45
I'll strive to walk with Jesus in Grace and Agape Love.
Pastor Jamie
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