April 14
Matthew 18:6-9
Causing to Stumble
REFLECTION
It looks like Jesus is advocating violence but rather he is declaring the consequences of leading others astray. This passage is a dire warning to those in positions of leadership. He is not only speaking of children but those who become like children to enter the kingdom. He is warning people, but especially those in authority, that if you cause anyone to stumble the consequences are that you will be cast out of God’s kingdom and end up in hell at the end of time.
Safeguarding has become a major issue within organisations. For too long children and vulnerable adults have been at risk of harm from those in trusted positions. This has often been swept under the carpet. Those at the receiving end have lived blighted lives, severely affected by their experiences they have been too afraid to speak out. Many bury the trauma but are left with low self-esteem, depression, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. Some may appear to live a full life but scratch beneath the surface and the trauma is revealed. It may take years of therapy to overcome their memories of harm. We are rightly shocked and horrified by such people, yet it still goes on. The consequences of such actions are being addressed but those who speak out need to be heard and believed and not traumatized again. We still need to be ever vigilant and call out any who abuse their positions of authority.
QUESTIONS
- How aware are you of Safeguarding guidelines?
- Do you understand the protocols surrounding Safeguarding?
- Are there people in your community who are sceptical of the need for such guidelines?
April 15
Mark 10:35-45
The Request of James and John
REFLECTION
James and John enthusiastically ask Jesus to be at his side in his glory. Could it be mistaken for exuberance and a desire to follow Jesus wherever he goes and to support him? No, for Jesus recognises their power play. The request to be at his right and his left indicates a desire for power and recognition. To be seated at the right hand is a sign of honour, power, and trust.
Jesus knows his route to his glory is pain and suffering and challenges James and John. He wants to know if they are willing to suffer the consequences. They proclaim they are. Peter later says the same at the Last supper. Yet they all flee. It is easier to say that you can withstand pain and torture than it is to endure it. Most of the disciples did in fact go on to martyrdom but until you are faced with it none of us know whether we can endure.
However, the aim of the request is to be in positions of power, influence and status. Their motive was not to serve but to be able to be served by others. It appears they were in it for the glory and self-aggrandisement. They still hadn’t got the message. Jesus had spoken to them before when they were arguing about who would be the greatest and spoke of servanthood.
The other disciples were angry at their arrogance. They were all equal surely? Or were they angry with themselves for their own desires to be the close confidante and right-hand man in the new kingdom?
Jesus tells them more than once that the mark of leadership in the kingdom is humility, sacrifice, service, love, and compassion not self-service, rewards and advancement.
QUESTIONS
- What style of leadership do you employ? Has this changed as you have matured in faith.
- What needs to change in your own life?
- What have been the motives for some of your actions, projects you have been involved in, groups you have joined?
- In what way have you experienced people whose motives have been self-seeking? How was it manifested? How did you respond?
