Do We Measure Leadership by Praise or Service?
Welcome to Day 284 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we consider what Jesus calls us to question in our beliefs or lives. The main truth for today is this: Jesus challenges the belief that leadership is measured by position or praise rather than service. Let’s begin.
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Jesus in Action
Mark 10:35–45
Step 4 of 5
Examina lo que Jesús nos invita a cuestionar en nuestras creencias o en nuestra vida.
Se le acercaron Santiago y Juan, hijos de Zebedeo. ―Maestro —le dijeron—, queremos que nos concedas lo que te vamos a pedir. ―¿Qué quieren que haga por ustedes? ―Concédenos que en tu glorioso reino uno de nosotros se siente a tu derecha y el otro a tu izquierda. ―Ustedes no saben lo que están pidiendo —les respondió Jesús—. ¿Pueden acaso beber el trago amargo de la copa que yo bebo o pasar por la prueba del bautismo con el que voy a ser bautizado? Ellos dijeron: ―Sí, podemos. ―Ustedes beberán de la copa que yo bebo —les respondió Jesús— y pasarán por la prueba del bautismo con el que voy a ser bautizado, pero el sentarse a mi derecha o a mi izquierda no me corresponde concederlo. Eso ya está decidido. Cuando lo oyeron los otros diez, se indignaron con Santiago y Juan. Así que Jesús los llamó y les dijo: ―Como ustedes saben, los que se consideran gobernantes de las naciones oprimen al pueblo y los altos oficiales abusan de su autoridad. Pero entre ustedes no debe ser así. Al contrario, el que quiera hacerse grande entre ustedes deberá ser su servidor, y el que quiera ser el primero deberá ser esclavo de todos. Porque ni aun el Hijo del hombre vino para que le sirvan, sino para servir y para dar su vida en rescate por muchos.
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After seeing the King who serves, today Jesus challenges the common idea that leadership is proved by your title, your visibility, or how much control you have over others.
Watch: Are You Following Jesus or Just Chasing Influence?
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
It is easy to look like you are helping others while secretly wanting attention, praise, or control. Even good actions can hide a desire to get ahead. Now, we look at how Jesus challenges the hidden competition inside all of us and redefines what it means to be a true leader.
James and John want recognized positions of power right next to Jesus. The other ten disciples become very angry, but their anger does not mean they are free from the same competitive spirit. Jesus addresses all of them together.
Your Title Is Not the Measure.
Most everyday systems use titles, special access, influence, and high visibility as signs of greatness. Jesus explicitly refuses to let His followers copy that pattern.
Control Is Not the Same as Serving.
A person can hold a position of responsibility and still serve faithfully; the problem is not authority itself. Jesus challenges using authority to make yourself look important, to dominate others, or to demand special recognition.
Even Serving Can Become Selfish.
It is possible to help others publicly while secretly keeping score—watching who noticed us, who thanked us, or who promoted us. Jesus’ standard goes beneath our outward actions to examine our hidden desire for importance.
The Cross Exposes Our Competition.
Jesus is moving toward giving up His life, while His disciples are arguing over who is the most important. This sharp contrast shows how distorted our goals can become when we want the benefits of His kingdom without copying His pattern of self-sacrifice.
Tomorrow, we will turn this challenge into a practical response about how you use your own influence and how you serve others.
Considera esto.
Which assumption does Jesus confront in you?
Examine your assumptions
Allow Jesus to expose any desire to use service as another route to status.
