Perhaps James and John would have breathed a sigh of relief in hindsight after Jesus rejected their lobbying to be in places of greatness with him. Their desire to be at Jesus’ right and left at the time of greatness would have had them hanging like common criminals on crosses either side of Jesus. Such is the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. Such is Jesus’ message that the first shall be last, and the last first.
Jesus invites us to consider a different path – one that cares for others and seeks to build community. Rather than ‘lord it over’ others, he invites us to become the servant of others in the process of building the kingdom of God.
Sermon Sunday October 18th, 2008 (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga