Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.'” — Matthew 20:25-26 (NKJV)

In a world where leadership often means domination, Jesus introduced a revolutionary concept: true greatness comes through service. This upside-down principle challenges our deepest instincts about power.

The morning sun illuminates the snow-capped Andes as Miguel Acuña guides his pickup truck along the winding coastal road near Valparaíso (a major port city on Chile’s coast). At 63, his silver hair and weathered face speak of decades working alongside copper miners in the mountains and fishermen along the Pacific coast. Today, he’s showing Alberto, a young pastor recently graduated from seminary, some of the small churches scattered across the region. “Before we visit the next congregation,” Miguel says, pulling over at a scenic overlook, “there’s a story you should hear—one that shaped how I understand Christian leadership.”

Below them stretches the sparkling bay where Spanish conquistadors once landed, claiming the land for an empire that would extract its wealth and subjugate its people. Further inland, the remnants of colonial architecture still stand as reminders of authority imposed from above. “When I was about your age,” Miguel begins, “Chile was divided by political extremes. In 1973, the military overthrew Salvador Allende’s government. General Pinochet (Chile’s dictator from 1973-1990) promised to restore order and prosperity, but what followed were years of disappearances, torture, and fear.”

Alberto nods, having studied this dark chapter of Chilean history. “My grandfather was detained for three months simply for attending a labor meeting.”

“Many Christians were confused about how to respond,” Miguel continues. “Some pastors quoted Romans 13 about submitting to authorities. Others saw parallels to the Israelites under Pharaoh or Babylon. My own pastor took a different approach—he began teaching specifically about Jesus’ model of leadership.”

“What do you mean?” Alberto asks.

“He pointed out how Jesus directly challenged the leadership models of both Romans and religious authorities. ‘The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,’ Jesus said, ‘but it shall not be so among you.’ Our pastor reminded us that when the church adopts worldly power structures, it betrays its true mission.”

Miguel’s eyes grow distant with memory. “Our congregation included both military supporters and families of the disappeared.

Tensions were high. But our pastor refused to align with political power in either direction. Instead, he organized us to serve—providing food for hungry families, regardless of political affiliation, creating safe spaces for children, and quietly helping people flee persecution.” “Was he ever threatened?” Alberto asks. “Many times,” Miguel nods. “Military officials pressured him to report on congregation members’ activities. Government opponents criticized him for not taking a more confrontational stance. But he kept pointing to Jesus washing feet instead of seizing power.”

As they continue their journey to a small fishing village, Miguel explains how this approach transformed their church. “People began to see something different—leadership that served rather than dominated. When a major earthquake hit in 1985, our little church became a center for relief efforts while government officials were still holding press conferences. That witness spoke volumes.”

Arriving at the seaside chapel, they’re greeted by a small group of fishermen and their families. The building is simple, but the welcome is warm. Alberto notices how they interact with Miguel—not with the deference shown to important officials, but with the easy affection of family. “The greatest challenge for any leader,” Miguel tells Alberto over a lunch of fresh seafood, “is resisting the temptation to become like ‘the rulers of the Gentiles.’ The early church fell into this trap when Constantine offered power and protection. Suddenly, the persecuted became the powerful, and the servants became the rulers.”

“When power and position become our goals,” Miguel concludes, “we’ve already lost our way. But when service becomes our purpose, we’ve found Christ’s path.”

Did You Know? In the Roman world where Jesus taught, the imagery of foot washing that He demonstrated at the Last Supper would have been particularly shocking. Foot washing was a task reserved for the lowest servants in a household. By taking the basin and towel, Jesus wasn’t merely teaching humility as an abstract virtue—He was deliberately inverting the entire Roman social hierarchy that His disciples would have taken for granted. This wasn’t just a lesson in personal ethics but a radical reordering of what leadership and power should look like in the kingdom of God—a complete reversal of worldly values.

🔥 Personal Reflection:

• Where in your relationships (family, work, church) have you been acting like “the rulers of the Gentiles” instead of serving like Christ?
• How might your idea of success and advancement need to change to match Jesus’ definition of greatness?
• What specific chance do you have this week to choose serving when you could rightfully claim authority or privilege?

🙏 Prayer: Lord Jesus, You who could have commanded legions of angels chose instead to wash dirty feet and die a servant’s death. Forgive us for our constant gravitating toward worldly power rather than sacrificial service. Challenge our assumptions about leadership, success, and influence. Where we have authority, teach us to use it to lift others rather than elevate ourselves. Where we have been hurt by leaders who “lord it over” others, heal our wounds and break the cycle of domination. Transform our homes, workplaces, and churches into communities where greatness is measured by service and where leadership reflects Your upside-down kingdom. In Your name, the name above all names who became servant of all, we pray. Amen.