Matthew 23:6-7
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation, 'Rabbi.'
Some of the greatest leaders I know are people who didn't want to be in the position of leadership, or at least, leadership wasn't their end goal. They just wanted greatness for the country, company or cause they believed in. One of the most fearless leaders from my recent selection of films is Aragorn, who is the unofficial leader of the Fellowship of the Ring in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He helps lead Frodo and the ring to its final resting place.
He doesn't seek glory for himself, only to fulfill his mission to protect Frodo and guide him. He leads his men into battle, always the first one to fight and the last one to retreat. His character is one of trust, strength, honor, bravery and sacrifice - All characteristics of a good leader, and in the end, a noble king.
Flip the coin and you'll see the scribes and Pharisees Jesus is describing here doing much of the opposite of Aragorn. They are expecting more from the people they lead than they do themselves. They seek glory in the form of public recognition and special treatment. And they pretend to be doing noble things, but really, they just want to be noticed.
Jesus led by example, serving His followers, even giving His life for them and us. So if you find yourself in a position of leadership, even if it's just in your own small family, remember the simple words of Jesus "The greatest among you must be your servant." (Mt. 23:11).
