The story is often misunderstood. As you read it, you get the impression that Jesus was giving a lesson to them and their mom about position-seeking. But His words were really directed at all of the apostles about clamoring.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be used by God to impact the world, or wanting our kids to be used of God. The problem lies in our tendency to climb over one another toward our perception of greatness.
Matthew actually points out that she came worshipping and that she came desiring. These two words indicate a heart that has right motives. The other disciples were upset because they felt threatened. They worried that their piece of the pie might be given to someone else.
Jesus used the occasion to teach a few great lessons about leadership.
It’s OK to desire greatness in leadership.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” He didn’t condemn the desire for influence. He merely put that desire in its proper place.
The Romans had an amazing military leadership arrangement. They were highly organized and you could move up through the ranks by throwing your weight around. The world around us sometimes exalts leaders who have climbed to the top on the backs of other people. We perceive those who do so as the ones who must work harder, be more educated, more talented, or who were simply born for leadership.
Jesus made it clear that desiring to be a great leader is a good thing, but we must change our approach to greatness in leadership.
The heart of great leadership is servanthood.
Does this mean that a great leader will always quietly fade into the background and never be vocal? On the contrary, Jesus stepped to the forefront, cast a vision, rebuked the legalists and firmly corrected the disciples throughout His ministry.
The difference is our goal.
