But not so with you.

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A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

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The contrast between spiritual and fleshly kingdoms in this passage is so severe yet the historical inclination of religious people seems to be towards the carnal one. It was true in the times of the Pharisees and it is true today. But sadly, even though religious leaders use words like servant, their actions prove to be more like the Pharisees than servants - I have even heard senior pastors call themselves chief executives of the the church that they "serve".

After describing what it takes to be a true spiritual leader Jesus segues to a time when "those who have stayed with me in my trials" will judge Israel. In my thinking this is an illusion to a new servant leadership rather than judging. These who persevere in faith will one day lead or judge Israel in the way that Moses once led and judged it. In this Jesus speaks once again of leadership in the kingdom of God and how a servant is formed by perseverance.

Yours O Lord is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

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