A Challenge for Christian Leaders

“Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”

Luke 20:46

I can still remember the first time I sat at the head table of a banquet. I was speaking for a men’s group in Southern California. When I arrived at the banquet hall, I was ceremoniously ushered forward to a long table that faced the audience. My host showed me to my seat, which was just to the right of the podium from which I would give my address. Next to me was the president of the group.

At first, I felt a bit awkward to be in such a prominent position, especially when I was about to eat. What if I spilled all over myself? I confess to having felt rather on the spot. To make matters worse, the president, who was sitting to my right, was not very good at conversation. So, while others in the room were enjoying a lively chat around their table, I was stuck between a podium and a guy who seemed more interested in his food than in me. I wished I could have been just an ordinary fellow at this meeting, sitting at a table full of men talking about football.

Thus, when I read Jesus’ critique of the religious leaders who love the honor of sitting at “the head table at banquets,” I feel safe. At least Jesus isn’t describing me! But as I reflect upon this passage, I realize that I do enjoy the perks that come with being a person of some prominence. When I was a parish pastor, I liked being greeted as “Pastor Mark” when I ran into church members “in the marketplaces.” Is Jesus saying this was wrong?

Not exactly. It all depends on two things: my intentions and my integrity. Jesus criticized the religious leaders who acted in order to earn people’s honor. They were not seeking to please God, but people, and ultimately their own egos. Moreover, while pretending to be pious, these leaders were acting unjustly in their financial dealings, even cheating widows out of their property. Thus, they were simply putting on a show of religiosity in order to gain human approval. Their hearts and their lives were corrupt.

This passage serves as a warning to any of us who are leaders among God’s people today. It speaks to pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, youth leaders, etc. It speaks to parents, grandparents, and others who express their Christian leadership in the family. It even speaks to those who lead outside of Christian institutions, such as business or education. Through this text, Jesus challenges us to consider our intentions and our integrity. Are we leading to serve God and others, or to serve ourselves? Are we living in a way that honors God in every word, every deed?

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: If you are a leader in some context, why are you leading? What are your deep motivations? If those you lead were to see your whole life on reality TV, what would they think?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, though I don’t especially like sitting at the head table of a banquet, I cannot escape the implications of this passage for my life. I confess to you that sometimes my motivations as a leader are selfish. I can seek my own good over your good. I find it especially hard to be faithful if this means people will disapprove of me.

I also confess the ways my life “in secret” does not match my life “in public.” As far as I know, I’m not cheating anyone out of their property, including widows. But I know there are times I fail to do what’s right when I think nobody will know.

Forgive me, Lord, for my shortcomings as a leader of your people. Help me, by your Spirit, to delight in you, to honor you, to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. When I receive good things because I’m a leader, may I receive them with humility and gratitude as gifts from your hand. May all that I do, even when nobody’s watching, glorify you and reflect your righteousness. Amen.