Seeking Privilege

Gospel: Matthew 20: 20-28

The disciples are remarkably slow at reading the room - and Jesus for that matter.  Jesus just finishes talking about the cross, and the disciples decide this is a good moment to argue about power and privilege and prestige among themselves.  Jesus will use this time as an opportunity to impress upon them the necessity of humility and service as the essence of being a follower of the Lord.  

Sadly, ever since this scene, Christians have continually re-enacted it in every time and place.  The incessant debates over primacy and power, the endless striving for privilege and prestige among people - this is the history of Christianity up to the present day.  When people read the Gospels and then look at the behavior of the churches, they love Jesus and leave behind the churches. There is a hunger within us all to be like Jesus, to live as he encouraged us to live.  

There are examples of people who have strived to do so, people who even today make this attempt.  They won't be found in media or in the bombastic speeches of the powerful.  They can be found in people serving on the margins, in the halls of sick bays and prison wards, in hostels for refugees and immigrants. The Gospels present us with the continual contrast between the example of Jesus and that of the disciples.  We can either wash feet or argue about privilege.