Episode 971
Subverting Power: A Reading from Matthew 20:20-28
This podcast episode presents a profound exploration of leadership as articulated in Matthew 20:20-28, wherein Jesus delineates a radical departure from conventional power dynamics. The core message posits that true greatness is achieved through servitude rather than the pursuit of status and authority. In this discourse, we examine the disciples' yearning for positions of honor, which mirrors our own contemporary struggles with power and privilege, particularly within progressive frameworks. Moreover, we engage with the metaphor of "drinking the cup," which invites reflection on the sacrifices necessary for authentic solidarity with marginalized communities. Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to redefine their understanding of leadership, advocating for a model that prioritizes liberation over dominance and empowers rather than subjugates.
The discussion centers on a profound reading from Matthew 20:20-28, wherein the mother of the Zebedee brothers approaches Jesus with an earnest request for her sons to occupy positions of honor in His kingdom. This narrative serves as a catalyst for a deeper examination of the nature of power and leadership as articulated by Jesus. He presents a radical redefinition of greatness, suggesting that true significance lies not in the pursuit of authority but in the willingness to serve. The episode invites listeners to reflect upon their own relationships with power, urging them to recognize the seductive nature of ambition and its potential to corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The implications of this reading extend beyond personal ambition, challenging the very structures that perpetuate hierarchies and domination in society. I emphasize the importance of servant leadership, wherein the first shall be last, and the pursuit of greatness is intrinsically linked to acts of service and solidarity with the marginalized. The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners to consider their own positions of influence and to utilize such positions to elevate those who have been historically oppressed, thereby fostering a community rooted in mutual empowerment rather than self-aggrandizement.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of examining one's own relationship with power and privilege.
- Jesus' teachings challenge traditional power structures and redefine the essence of true leadership.
- Listeners are encouraged to actively mentor marginalized individuals and share authority rather than consolidate it.
- The call to drink the cup signifies the willingness to engage in sacrifice for solidarity.
- Leadership is reimagined as a means of liberation, not merely a position of authority.
- The Daily Bible Refresh promotes a progressive understanding of scripture, inviting deeper reflection on faith.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
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Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker B:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker B:The reading is understandable.
Speaker B:I use the Message version relatable.
Speaker B:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker B:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker B:It's all brought to you by voiceofgodddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B: lionaires a million people by: Speaker B:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker B:Here's today's reading.
Speaker A: Reading from Matthew: Speaker A:What do you want?
Speaker A:Jesus asked.
Speaker A:She said, give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the highest places of honor in your kingdom.
Speaker A:1 At your right hand, one at your left.
Speaker A:Jesus responded, you have no idea what you're asking.
Speaker A:And he said to James and John, are you capable of drinking the cup that I'm about to drink?
Speaker A:They said, sure, why not?
Speaker A:Jesus said, come to think of it, you are going to drink my cup.
Speaker A:But as to awarding places of honor, that's not my business.
Speaker A:My Father is taking care of that.
Speaker A:When the 10 others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers.
Speaker A:So Jesus got them together to settle things down.
Speaker A:He said, you've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads.
Speaker A:It's not going to be that way with you.
Speaker A:Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.
Speaker A:Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.
Speaker A:That is what the Son of Man has done.
Speaker A:He came to serve, not be served, and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.
Speaker A:That ends the reading.
Speaker A:And this is really a reading about where Jesus is challenging the traditional power structures and offers a radical new vision of leadership.
Speaker A:So let's get into the points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is about the seduction of power.
Speaker A:The disciples desire for positions of honor reflects our own struggles with power and privilege, even in the progressive space we can fall into seeking status and authority.
Speaker A:Jesus response challenges not just individual ambition, but entire systems that prioritize hierarchy and dominance.
Speaker A:A second point is about drinking the cup.
Speaker A:Jesus asks if they can drink the cup, which is a reference to suffering and sacrifice.
Speaker A:In our context, this raises questions about the cost of true solidarity.
Speaker A:Are we willing to risk comfort, privilege, safety to stand with marginalized communities?
Speaker A:Real allyship often requires more than verbal support.
Speaker A:A third point is about leadership as liberation.
Speaker A:Whoever wants to be first must be your slave isn't about glorifying servitude, but about radically redefining leadership.
Speaker A:This challenges both religious and secular power structures, suggesting that true leadership means working to liberate others from systems of oppression.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Examine your own relationship with power and privilege and identify one position of authority or influence that you may hold in the workplace, at your church or community organization, or in your family and create a specific plan to use that position to amplify marginalized voices and share power rather than consolidate it.
Speaker A:This might mean stepping back from leadership, creating collaborative decision making processes, or actively mentoring others who have been historically excluded from power.
Speaker A:We'll have a closing prayer here in just a minute.
Speaker A:I always want to let you know that we have a resource for you.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:You can head over to our website voiceofgoddaily.com it's free.
Speaker A:You can pick it up right there.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:O God, you are the Divine disruptor of hierarchies and we confess our attraction to power and status even as we work for justice.
Speaker A:When we are tempted to seek positions of honor, remind us that true greatness lies in service and solidarity.
Speaker A:Help us recognize where we hold privilege and power and give us courage to use it for liberation rather than self promotion.
Speaker A:Guide us in creating communities where leadership means lifting others up, where service isn't about subordination but about mutual empowerment.
Speaker A:Grant us wisdom to drink the cup of commitment to justice even when it costs us something in the spirit of collective liberation.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker B:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker B:The daily Bible refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker B:Your gift goes a long way to getting the audible word of God from a progressive perspective into 2 million years.
Speaker B: A million people by: Speaker B:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker B:Thanks much.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker B:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker B:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
