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Readings for October 30, 2011
Matthew 23: 1-12
In the narrative of the Gospel of Matthew, this Sunday's reading marks a shift in the story, in which Matthew describes the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leadership of Jerusalem. In the previous chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees took the offensive by laying traps for Jesus, seeking to build a case against him against the authorities, or to diminish his stature among the people. Here in Chapter 23, Jesus takes the offensive, and directly challenges them - not in their formal authority - but in their faithfulness. Jesus bluntly accuses them of hypocrisy, of using their leadership roles as sources of privilege and honor, and of creating barriers between God and the people of Israel.
Much of the Gospel of Matthew is devoted to describing the Kingdom, the Reign of God. The Gospel also reflects at length on the dynamics of the community, called and formed by Jesus, and dedicated to the Reign of God. Here, reflecting on Jesus' indictment of the Pharisees and Sadducees, we can at least indirectly consider the nature of leadership in this community.
Echoing a long line of prophets in the Old Testament, Jesus essentially accuses these leaders of idolatry, of choosing false gods of privilege and honor, over the God of Israel. They have forgotten who they are, and whose they are. In an atmosphere of political and economic oppression, when the people of Israel were calling out to God just as in Pharaoh's time, they failed to see the coming of God's messenger. In their failure to enter into deep relationship with God, they were unable to see how God was working in the community of Israel, fulfilling God's promises of a Messiah.
Christian leaders then, are those who serve God in a radical sense: who pursue a journey of ever-deepening trust in God; who pay attention to God working in their lives and in the world; who participate as 'co-workers in the Lord' serving God's purposes. Theologian Robert Banks observes "It would be more true to the New Testament to talk about our need for "leading servants' rather than for 'servant leaders'. The word 'leader' hardly appears, whereas the word 'servant' comes before us numerous times. When people are described as joining with or following after someone, it is as a consequence of that person's character, approach, and spirit more than any specific kinds of abilities, skills, or charisma." Anyone who holds a formal leadership role in any setting, and particularly in the Church, would be wise to reflect deeply on Matthew 23, to consider their own character, approach, and spirit in leadership.
Beyond this, the passage suggests some deeper truths about the nature of leadership. We can observe how, in the Bible and in Church history, God frequently calls persons to exercise leadership outside the structures of authority. In the Old Testament some are called prophets, in the New Testament some are called apostles, and in the history of the Church some are called saints. Most all these persons were living ordinary lives, far from places of power, when they heard and responded to God's call to service and leadership. Perhaps all of us, who wish to be servants of Christ, are called to leadership in some way. As we approach All Saints Day, let us remember our own call - to service, to leadership, to saintliness.
Question for Reflection:
1. How do you observe formal leadership exercised in your various settings (family, Church, workplace, government)? How may leaders learn from this Gospel passage?
2. How might you be called by God to exercise leadership in your life? How is your call linked to a call to service?
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