"Jesus...Like Us, His Brothers and Sisters"

"Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest....Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted."  (Hebrew 2:17, 18--NLT) 

 

Throughout history, many in leadership positions in Christianity have not exemplified our text.  They haven't seen themselves, "made like His brothers and sisters."  Rather, they see themselves as somehow "apart," a species to be unquestioned and obeyed.  Catholicism, for example, for centuries did not allow the Bible to be translated into the language of "the common people" because common folk were unable or unfit to comprehend the, "Words of God."  The leadership of the church burned John Huss at the stake and later exhumed Wycliffe's bones and burned them because they saw themselves, "like us, His brothers and sisters."

 

One of the greatest "occupational hazards" in churches is the "distance" between pastoral leadership, staff, and the other members.  It may not be intended, but it is nonetheless there.  Many churches provide programs as though the membership has nothing else to do in life but keep those programs rolling.  The purpose of fivefold personages is, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...." (NIV).  Most churches prepare the saints for just more work in the church.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not prepared His disciples to be "apostles," but rather servants-- "Yet I am among you as the One who serves."  They were not to be exalted leaders to dominate others, to be as suns around which lesser planets orbit.  Neither did He teach them to expect to have the best rooms and accommodations at conferences, some sort of "breed apart."  Jesus trained men as servants.  Paul said of himself, "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ."  You and I are no more, no less.  

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I always be a servant/helper.  Amen.

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2