Jesus shares the Passover meal with His Apostles and introduces them to “the Lord’s Supper”. Shortly thereafter, the Twelve begin to behave like chickens (Lk 22). Serious?
This blog series is sourced in a story: A hive of bees found an opening between two bricks at my oldest son’s house and went to work establishing their new home near the kitchen’s plumbing which also gave them full access to the home’s interior…. oh my! Unfortunately, infestations also happen in Jesus’ House and today’s blog is about another common one, namely pecking orders.
“Pecking order” is such a revealing phrase, so descriptive. In the chicken pen, there is no peace until power and authority is clear: Who is the greatest and who is the least plus every rung in between. Humans, even Apostles, model this same behavior as they jockey for superiority and power on the basis of worldly metrics like IQ, skills, titles, money, appearance, power, accomplishments, etc.
So, how did Jesus respond to the Apostle’s power struggle (Lk 22:25,26)?
“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.” With one fell swoop, Jesus totally and completely rejects pecking-order power struggles as a viable, Kingdom behavior.
Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Jesus’ clearly defines His alternative way: Kingdom authority is not found in a scepter, but a basin and towel.
Jesus models servant authority (Jn 13:12-17)
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
A few Kingdom truths I am seeing from Jesus’ example and teaching:
- There are multiple levels of authority within the Kingdom (Jesus’ 3-9-70 etc), but none are based on worldly status.
- Kingdom authority is primarily sourced in and fueled by humility, rather than pride.
- The visible outworking of Kingdom authority is a holistic discipleship / equipping of others.
- As you would expect, Kingdom authority builds community, rather than fractures it.
My Confession
In my early years of following Jesus, it was not uncommon for me to outwardly vie for worldly status like the young Apostles. These days, I am increasingly embracing His towel and basin calling and rarely behave like a chicken outwardly. But inwardly, I periodically cluck, peck and claw just like a chicken, and as always, I’m grateful for Jesus’ grace!
Unfortunately, pecking-order power struggles are exceedingly common and toxic within Jesus’ House! As you look outwardly at your Jesus community and inwardly to your heart, what are you seeing these days?
Help us Lord,
