[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3079″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_custom_heading text=”Session 4″ font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:16|text_align:center|color:%23b8ea04″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_custom_heading text=”You Want Some Power? ” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23b8ea04″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Jesus teaches us about power in few ways.
First, In Matthew 4|8-10, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms and their magnificent qualities. He said said it could all be his if Jesus worshiped him. The devil tempted Jesus with power, just like he tempts us with it.
Jesus responded to the him by saying “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” The desire be above other people is what our enemy wants. When you put other people down so you can look better; when you refuse to associate with certain people because, well, look at them; whenever you try to leverage power over someone in order to appear better than… it might feel good in the moment, but you’re not going to be satisfied.
Again, later in his ministry, Jesus teaches, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23|11-12)
We shouldn’t let power become something so important in our lives because we’re not getting anywhere chasing after it. We are told not to place ourselves above anyone, but rather to be a humble servant to all – even our enemies.
Another great way Jesus teaches us about power is in Mark 10|42-45 , “So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” I love that he doesn’t say, you should be different, but you WILL be different.
People who have high authority like to flaunt it and that’s exactly what we’re not supposed to do. Jesus’ path to power is through sacrifice and service, and he didn’t flaunt his authority. Jesus used his power to bring people to God. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8|32)
It might not be God’s plan for you to have a lot of power, but there will always be good things and blessings from Him. We can feel like we’re missing out on being powerful. If you aren’t popular, or someone hurts you, or when you have an opportunity to put someone down, and more. But God’s plan is far better than having power over people, so we are called to be humble. In the end you’re getting the power that matters.
Tiphani Obama’s writings are significant to students in high school and will help students take a closer look at sermons in StuCo. She grew up in South East Michigan with her brother and two sisters and goes to Brighton High School. She plays tenor saxophone in band and likes cocoa puffs. Her goal is to help people take next steps with God.
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