For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus is directly reframing what his authority means. Power in this kingdom looks like service. Leadership looks like self-giving.
I grew up with a father who used his authority to control. I watched leaders in my church use their position to demand deference. So I initially heard this as weakness. But I think I had it backward. What takes more power—forcing people to obey you, or offering yourself for their wellbeing? What takes more authority—demanding service, or freely giving it? Jesus is saying the greatest power looks like availability, vulnerability, willingness to lay down your life for others. I've seen this in the strongest people I know—the ones with genuine power are the ones most willing to be used by others' needs. Not exploited. But genuinely available. That's been my model of leadership since I understood this.
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