“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Luke 22:25-26 (NIV)
“The kings of the Gentiles” is Jesus’ way of referring to people who have power in the secular world.
Jesus is describing the world’s way of making an impact, which is all about position, power, and recognition. The world’s way of making an impact is by exercising power. It is all about position and recognition—the position of kings, the power of exercising authority, and the recognition of being known as a “supporter” or “backer.”
But most of us have very little power. In fact, when it comes to the work of Christ’s kingdom, we don’t have any power at all. So if we are going to make an impact, it has to be another way. And that is exactly what Jesus says, “You are not to be like that” (22:26). Your impact will not come through power, position and recognition. Instead, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves” (22:26).
Jesus did not rebuke them for seeking greatness. He corrected their understanding of how it is achieved. Jesus never suppressed the desire to do something great. He did not say, “It’s a terrible thing that you would even talk about being great!” Instead he affirms the desire to make a significant impact in ministry, and then he tells us how that can be done.
Respond to this: “Jesus did not rebuke them for seeking greatness. What he did was correct their understanding of how it is achieved.”