James and John had got into trouble with the other disciples. Their mother had asked Jesus if her boys could have the top jobs in His government when He came to power (Matthew 20:20-23). It was not a private conversation, James and John were there as well and Jesus rebuked them. The rest of the disciples soon knew what had been discussed, and they were angry that their friends had sought such favouritism.
 
Jesus brought them all together. It was not to humiliate James and John but to teach the trainee apostles and through them, the church and us today. There is a huge difference between the way the world achieves what it wants, and the way God operates His kingdom. Human administrations are always in fear that they will be deposed: they know that they do not have all power ... all they can do is to show that they have more power than other people. They do this by enforcing laws, issuing threats or imposing military muscle to make people obey them.
 
God has no such problem. He already has all power: nobody can ever depose Him. His servants are safe in the generous grace of their Master ... nothing can touch them now except what He allows, and even then they remain eternally secure. So there is no need for God's people to play worldly power-games. They will need God's wisdom, yes; but manipulation, exploitation and corruption, no. Instead of dominating, they are free to serve, just as Jesus did ... to the point of sacrificing everything.
 
That was not just the particular style Jesus used, it was the nature of God which He intends His church to express. Loving service comes from God's nature. It is full of self-giving, motivated by an intense desire for the good of His world. Power politics have no place in the church, Christian businesses or godly families. Yes, it is important to define clear boundaries, and to be consistent in bringing people to respect them. But no relationship grows under threat; it will only thrive if much more love is poured in than is ever expected in return. Serving without demanding recompense may be very costly - but that is the way of Jesus, and the only way in which His church will see its enemies submit to Him. That kind of service quenches human pride and releases God's power to bless and build up all who are crushed (Isaiah 61:1-3). Who does He want you to serve today, for His sake?