02/14/22 Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 23

Matthew 20:20-28 (ESV)
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”
22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”
23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus describes two kinds of leaders in this passage. See if you can find the defining characteristics each kind of leader demonstrates: Rulers of the Gentiles and Followers of Jesus. Which do you intend to be?

WISE LEADERS… Alvin Reid writes these words in his 2013 book, Revitalize Your Church through Gospel Recovery, “The wise leaders know they will never be able to lead in their own power and wisdom. They need both the power and wisdom of God and the help of others” (p. 65). Faithful followers of Jesus know that the key to their ability to lead others in doing God’s work is daily abiding in Christ and His Word, and living in obedience to the teachings of God’s Word, fully dependent on God’s life-giving Spirit.

PRAY… Lord Jesus we need leaders who do not try to use human ingenuity and cleverness to bring Your strength back into our church family. We need leaders who depend on You and the counsel of Your Word. Please instruct our leaders daily with Your Word; inspire and motivate them by Your Spirit to obedience and faithfulness. And as we who follow them travel in their footsteps, grant them humility and grant us grace. Restore our church to a Biblical model of servant leadership where Christ is exalted in every decision, and where Your people delight to follow those who follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.