The upside-down Kingdom: Leaders as Servants
- Jesus demonstrated servant leadership. When He washed the
feet of his disciples, he challenged traditional notions of leadership and power.
- The Kingdom Jesus preached is characterized by a reversal of
societal norms, where the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.
- Christian leaders, including missionaries, should emulate
Jesus'
servant leadership and not expect worldly privileges or status.
- By adopting a servant role, missionaries can foster Christ-centered movements and allow
Jesus to reign as Lord and King.
Missionary ministry that reflects Christ
Jesus approached leadership far differently than many people do. Think, for instance,
about what Jesus did the evening before His arrest and crucifixion. With the excitement of the
"triumphal entry" into Jerusalem a few days before still in the air, Jesus stunned His disciples by
washing their feet. Peter protested, no doubt thinking of the status and privileges usually
accorded leaders. Leaders, and especially messiahs, didn't do menial tasks like washing
someone's!
Peter and the other disciples should have caught on much earlier to Jesus' servanthood
approach to leadership. During Jesus' three years of ministry, there was nothing pompous,
self-promoting, or power-seeking about Him. Jesus did not expect the best seat. He almost
seemed more comfortable hanging out with poor people than hobnobbing with the wealthy and
powerful. He never sought headlines. He never "tooted His own horn." Indeed, on more than one
occasion, after healing a sick person or casting out a demon from someone, Jesus said, "Don't tell
anyone."
The Kingdom that Jesus talked about is an "upside-down kingdom." At least, that is how
Donald Kraybill labeled it. Kraybill used that phrase as a book title, saying it captured the
essence of Jesus' words like, "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" (Matthew
20:16).
Sadly, Christian leaders sometimes fail to digest what Jesus said and did. Some assume
that church leaders (including missionaries) are owed certain privileges and the "finer things of
life" because they are "ambassadors of Christ" and "children of the King." That's not true. We
represent the king of an "upside-down kingdom" in which this world's ambassadorial privileges and
trappings are out of place. Leaders (especially cross-cultural missionaries) in the upside-down kingdom must emulate Jesus in assuming a servant role like He did that long-ago night in the Upper Room.
Being a servant leader doesn't come naturally. It requires a conscious effort. However,
missionaries who consistently follow Jesus' model of servant-leadership will foster and shape
Christ-ward movements in which Jesus truly reigns as Lord and King.
Discussion questions
- In what ways did Jesus challenge traditional notions of leadership and power by
washing his disciples' feet?
- How does the concept of the "upside-down kingdom" challenge the prevailing societal norms
and expectations of leaders?
- What are some potential outcomes when Christian leaders, including missionaries, expect
worldly privileges or status rather than embracing servant leadership?
- How can adopting a servant role contribute to the development of Christ-centered
movements in missionary ministry?
- What are the potential difficulties or barriers that Christian leaders may encounter in
practicing servant leadership? How can these be overcome?
-- Howard Culbertson,
This 500-word mini-essay on Christlike attitudes and actions that need to be present in cross-cultural missionary service is one of a dozen articles in the "Missionary Ministry that Reflects Christ" series published in Engage, an online magazine.
Why is it an "upside-down kingdom"?
Some Afterwords
The kingdom Jesus talked about radically differs from earthly kingdoms led by human beings. Here are some reasons why:
- Reversal of Values: In the Kingdom of God, values and priorities are often reversed from what is common in earthy kingdoms. For example, Jesus taught that the first shall be last and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16). He said that the greatest among his followers should be servants of all (Mark 10:43-45). Those words run counter to the emphasis on power, wealth, and status in the kingdoms of this world.
- Emphasis on Humility: Christ lifted up humility as a virtue. In the Kingdom of God, humility rather than carnal pride is the expected norm.
- Concern for the Marginalized: The Kingdom of God is inclusive. It embraces those who are marginalized, oppressed, or overlooked by society. Jesus often ministered to the outcasts of his time. These included tax collectors, adulterers, non-Jews, and the poor. By word and deed, He showed that all are valued and welcomed in God's kingdom where they can experience transformation.
- Transformation of Hearts: The upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God also refers to the transformation it brings to individuals and societies. God's Kingdom challenges people to allow the Holy Spirit to reshape their priorities, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Focus on Spiritual Realities: Rather than emphasizing earthly power and material wealth, the Kingdom of God focuses on spiritual realities and eternal values. Those who want to follow Christ are challenged to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew
6:33).
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