Pastor's Column 4/26/2026

PASTOR’S COLUMN

²⁴ “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. ²⁵  Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people. yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ ²⁶  But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. ²⁷  Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” Luke  22:24-27, NLT

“Service Above All Things!”

Some of the most instructive teaching Jesus shared with His disciples was during a time they would least expect it. This is the mark of a great teacher. The dedicated instructor who capitalizes on the most immediate surroundings to emphasize a great truth. Jesus gave the disciples an impromptu teaching lesson, the very night  He would experience betrayal and denial of association by two of the disciples who were present during the unexpected  session. In that upper room, Jesus gave the disciples a new model for leadership. He knew more than they, when the fog of doubt lifted above their heads, they would have to provide leadership in communicating the message of the Kingdom of God. They could no longer take cover behind Jesus in perilous times, The disciples would have to lean on what Jesus taught them to effectively carry out their assignments.  Jesus used His example of washing the feet of the disciples, the task of a house servant, to demonstrate a new kind of leadership. Jesus essentially said leadership is about “serving others.” It is not defined by titles, status, trophies or tiers. It is bending when it is necessary and shouldering the responsibility of serving others. Jesus clearly pointed out the model of leadership for all who bear His name and carry the cross, is different from the standards the world delineates for leaders. To serve with love, humility, compassion by example is who we are!