What does it mean to be a King? Kings have power and prestige; they ride in Limousines, with an armed escort. Jesus, by contrast, entered into Jerusalem riding in humility, on the back of a donkey. That’s rather like President Biden coming on a state visit to England and cycling down the M4 into London on a bicycle.
It’s little wonder that the disciples found it difficult to understand Jesus. He said such outrageous things: things like the greatest being the least; the one who rules behaving like one who serves; about turning the other cheek, giving your shirt away; going the extra mile. How can you take that kind of teaching seriously?
They lived in a world in which power dominated. Justice was dispensed at the end of sword. Every man for himself. Look after number 1. Nothing really changes, does it?
Jesus’ philosophy seems to totally reverse the world’s way of thinking. To be great in this world is to put importance upon oneself. Greatness is based on position, power, privilege. You’ve got to be prepared to stand up for yourself; fight for what you want, be ready to trample over other people, and come out on top. But God’s way of thinking seems to run dramatically opposite to the ways of the world. A King, who rides on a donkey.
The way of the world – surely that’s how to get on. But God’s value system is the opposite: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’ (Luke 9:23). Self-denial, taking up one’s cross - not comfortable listening. How do we possibly do that?
A few thoughts: commitment to service
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)
In society, the one who sits at table is greater than the one who serves at it, but Jesus says that he has come as one who serves. In the Kingdom of God, we are not just spectators but participants. We are called to service. Each of us has been given a specific ministry, or ability, within the body of Christ. We’re not to worry about rank or status. Instead, we should focus on our service to God. It’s about considering – what do I have to offer to God’s service, not just what can I get out of it?Living with humility. (John 13:12-17)
‘Now that I, your Lord and master have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.’ (John 13:14)
On the night before he died, not only did Jesus share a meal with his disciples, but he also got down on his knees and washed their feet – the mark of a true servant. True humility is about putting away importance from yourself and giving all the importance to the Lord and His will. It’s about willingness to put God first, others second, self last. That’s not condescension. It’s putting all the importance on the value system of God’s Kingdom. ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’By obedience to God’s commandments. (Matt. 5:19-20)
We receive the precious gift of eternal life, simply by believing in what Christ has done for us. It’s a free gift, and we can do nothing to earn it. But the implications of following God are that we then give Him priority in our lives. Unconditional obedience to the will of God. “Whom do you fear” asks Joshua of his nation. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).
Be open to the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26)The Holy Spirit of God gives us spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These kinds of fruit will be manifested in us so that we may be able to minister to others. We can do this by allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us. Be open to God’s Spirit. Cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. God’s Kingdom is a different world to the one we live in. Our role model – a King of humility, who rides a donkey. Our calling – follow where God leads with humility, ready to serve those around us. Sit lightly to the values of this world and submit ourselves to the values of God.
Paul tells the Ephesians (4:2) that our attitude in life must be "humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love.” This quality of meekness is not weakness, far from it. It’s a quality that Jesus himself possessed and which demonstrates a strength and quality of character.
It sounds quite contrary to how we have been conditioned by the world around us. But Jesus assures us – this is the way to find true peace and contentment.
A prayer.
The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
God of community, through your son Jesus Christ
You taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need,
as if we were caring for him.
Give us strength, to comfort the fearful,
to tend the sick, and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. (Numbers 6:24-26)
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