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I read up on this, and the concept Jesus was apparently trying to establish was that people given leadership roles over other, and specifically power over others (versus charismatic, reputational  or moral leadership), were called "benefactors" because they were supposedly serving in those roles to do good on behalf of others.  This is like the principle of politicians being "public servants" or the heads of corporations being "employees" of the board of directors and tasked with serving the shareholders.  Where He's going with this, of course, is that many in these roles seek power for it's own sake, and become more focused on maintaining their power and influence than in serving the actual interests of those they are supposed to.<br/>

I read up on this, and the concept Jesus was apparently trying to establish was that people given leadership roles over other, and specifically power over others (versus charismatic, reputational  or moral leadership), were called "benefactors" because they were supposedly serving in those roles to do good on behalf of others.  This is like the principle of politicians being "public servants" or the heads of corporations being "employees" of the board of directors and tasked with serving the shareholders.  Where He's going with this, of course, is that many in these roles seek power for it's own sake, and become more focused on maintaining their power and influence than in serving the actual interests of those they are supposed to.<br/>

That's why Jesus follows this with an reminder to serve others with humility.  Greatness is defined by what is done humbly in God's service, and not by the rank or title you hold while serving.  I mentioned Pentecost yesterday, and I don't think it was until then that these men really "got" that message.  From that point forward, they did many great things, but without concern for who was the head of the church, or who could settle disagreements.  Peter and Paul disagreed on some fundamentals, but that didn't lead to Peter "pulling rank" on Paul.<br/>

That's why Jesus follows this with a reminder to serve others with humility.  Greatness is defined by what is done humbly in God's service, and not by the rank or title you hold while serving.  I mentioned Pentecost yesterday, and I don't think it was until then that these men really "got" that message.  From that point forward, they did many great things, but without concern for who was the head of the church, or who could settle disagreements.  Peter and Paul disagreed on some fundamentals, but that didn't lead to Peter "pulling rank" on Paul.<br/>

Sorry for ramble, but given the lack for humility so many leaders exhibit today it's a shame more people don't keep this in mind.  George Washington was a great man, and an example of his greatness was recognizing that two terms of authority & power were enough.  Too many of our "career" senators and representatives fail to follow the same example.<br/>

Sorry for ramble, but given the lack for humility so many leaders exhibit today it's a shame more people don't keep this in mind.  George Washington was a great man, and an example of his greatness was recognizing that two terms of authority & power were enough.  Too many of our "career" senators and representatives fail to follow the same example.<br/>

So in this context of what Jesus is trying to say and what He will say next, my suggestion is to replace "benefactors" with "rulers", or at the risk of this getting too political, "the ruling class".  My reasoning is that rulers have power over others and can exert it against their will if they choose, where a leader does not necessarily have to rely on power to have other follow.  In our context, Jesus is trying to tell these men that you can have greatness in the eyes of God by being a lifelong servant like Mother Theresa or a dedicated missionary in Haiti - you don't have to be a bishop or Pope.  This also underpins the Catholic teaching that while women are not allowed certain roles in the Church, like the priesthood, that in no way diminishes their opportunities to be great in the eyes of God.  Do great things with humility and others will follow your leadership without you having to have been appointed their ruler first.  --[[User:ChrisY|ChrisY]] 10:38, 24 February 2010 (EST)

So in this context of what Jesus is trying to say and what He will say next, my suggestion is to replace "benefactors" with "rulers", or at the risk of this getting too political, "the ruling class".  My reasoning is that rulers have power over others and can exert it against their will if they choose, where a leader does not necessarily have to rely on power to have other follow.  In our context, Jesus is trying to tell these men that you can have greatness in the eyes of God by being a lifelong servant like Mother Theresa or a dedicated missionary in Haiti - you don't have to be a bishop or Pope.  This also underpins the Catholic teaching that while women are not allowed certain roles in the Church, like the priesthood, that in no way diminishes their opportunities to be great in the eyes of God.  Do great things with humility and others will follow your leadership without you having to have been appointed their ruler first.  --[[User:ChrisY|ChrisY]] 10:38, 24 February 2010 (EST)