The disciples of Jesus Christ often showed a completely tin ear when it came to understanding the drift of Jesus' teachings. In Luke 9:46-48 Jesus instructed them on the path to greatness in the kingdom of God. The disciples had been in a petty, silly argument - who would be the greatest when Jesus kicked out the Romans and took over the government. They assumed they'd be the cabinet ministers in the new administration, but couldn't decide who was going to be top dog among them. I'm guessing each of them got one vote - his own.
Jesus laid out the path of kingdom greatness for them, a teaching he'd repeated often because they just didn't seem to get it. The one who is great is the one who humbles himself to bless a child, who makes himself least among the others. It is service, not power, that makes one great in God's kingdom.
But, as usual, his teachings just swooshed right over the disciples' heads. John responded to Jesus' teachings with a complaint.
“Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
John was upset. Someone had the nerve to drive out demons in the name of Jesus, but did not follow the disciples around. For John, it was still all about power and control, about being elevated to rank and position. He just didn't get it. And he could not abide these people who were acting in the name of Jesus but were not part of his group.
It is a normal human reaction to want to maintain power and control over others - something that has been part of our makeup since Adam and Eve bit the fruit. But God calls us to a higher way. We lead people to Christ and teach them to follow HIM.
But too often we stray into the power and control game, just as the disciples did. We demand not just that they do things God's way, but that they do things our way, that they conform to our desires, our preferences and our traditions.
The disciples too often strayed into the power and control game, until they were filled with the Spirit. Then it became about serving Jesus with all their hearts and souls, laying down their lives and serving in humility.
Just as Jesus had commanded.
Father, forgive me for too often seeking to advance my own standing, my power, or trying to control others. I realize that no one has the right to control another, except you! May I serve you with a humble, gentle heart - the heart of a servant.
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