The Power of Lent
We are heading into Holy Week. It’s a unique time of the year. The somber reflection of lent runs into the joy of Palm Sunday, the sincerity of Maundy Thursday and the deep emotion of Good Friday, finally, the celebration of Easter itself. It’s near Maundy Thursday and I want to look at the words of Jesus today Not the institution of the Lord’s supper, no, something different. In Luke, after the institution of the sacrament, Luke records an interesting conversation. Where John focuses upon the feet washing, Matthew focus is upon the denial of Peter, Mark upon the time spent in the Garden, and in Luke it talks about Christ’s view of power. It’s an interesting thought, isn’t it? That an all-powerful God would take the time to discuss how to properly use power with His lowly creation; that is just odd, isn’t it? You find Christs words in Luke 22:24-30 (ESV):
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Who is the greatest…who has the most power…who is in control…who is the most influential. Yet the contrast here could not be greater. Jesus. Lord of Lord, King of Kings, all powerful, destined to be the judge of all mankind and what is He doing?
He is washing the feet of His disciples.
He is serving them the sacrament of Holy Communion.
He is forgiving them their sins.
He is knowingly awaiting His suffering and death…at the hands of His own creation.
He is bearing with denial of friends, scorn of enemies, and the judgement of His own creation.
The holy source of power has placed Himself into and under the power of sin and death.
And in the midst of it all He challenges our very definition of power. He says:
In verse 26: You will not have power, the greatest of you shall be the least.
In verse 27: If the all-powerful God of creation is willing to serve undeserving you, you have no excuse. You are to serve your brothers and sisters.
In verse 28: Christ was on trial, tested by the Law, and judged, we will be likewise.
In verse 29: We have been given the Great Commission, and assigned work on Earth and a place in Heaven.
In verse 30: We are heirs of Christ, everything that is Christs, has been given to us, even the Keys to Heaven.
That is how God intended power to be used; in service to His creation. Just as I, as a Father, have significant power over my children, but in all things I use it, in love, for their benefit.
So how often do we crave power?
Our own power?
Control?
Perhaps one of the best known expressions mankind has crafted is “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” And in our hands I think we have to acknowledge the truth of it. We have never been Christ centered when operating from a position of power. We have never been effective ambassadors of Christ when in the midst of the “culture war”. Instead the church has had its greatest moments in exposing itself in weakness. In our voluntary vulnerability we speak of our security not in the things of man, but in the things of God. We did not win converts in the crusades (we made enemies), but we did in a plague. They know we are Christians by our repentance and our reflection of God’s love.
But if what is typed is true, then I have to acknowledge one verse that stands out, and I apologize for the length of this devotion, but I believe Holy Week gives an opportunity for reflection that is not to be missed.
So if we are not to seek power why did Jesus tell Peter to get a sword? After all Jesus says in Luke 22:36 (ESV)
He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.”
So, if the same Jesus who told us to be the least, to turn the other cheek, to forgive both brother AND enemy…why is Jesus telling his disciples to pick up the sword?
The answer is as frustrating as it is simple. Grace given from a position of weakness does not make the impact grace from a position of power makes.
If you “deserve” to be hurt, but I don’t have the ability, than my grace and forgiveness does not mean much to society.
If you “deserve” to be hurt, and I have the ability to claim my justice, but I refrain, it speaks loudly of my faith.
Jesus could have come down off the cross at the taunting of the people and the rulers…but he didn’t. He could have ended His torment, and their taunting, he had every right to display His power and authority. But the greatest chose to be the least. And, what a message of love it sent!
As we move from the season of Lent to Easter, may we be less concerned with how much power we have, how much influence we have in society, or even who is winning the “culture war”. Instead may we always live in the power of the cross, rejoice in Christ crucified and raised, and trust that God’s power, like His grace, is sufficient for us.
To Him be the Power
And the Glory
Forever and Ever
Amen
-Pastor Dan