Mark 12:35-37 NAB
As Jesus was teaching in the temple area He said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I place Your enemies under Your feet.’ David himself calls Him ‘lord’; so how is He his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight.
Reflection
Jesus was having a series of conversation with the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees and scribes. All of them were knowledgeable about Judaism. The scribes, for example, were teachers of the Jewish law and tradition around 5 BC – 1 AD. They transcribed and edited teachings of the Old Testament prophets. The Jews were expecting a messiah from the line of King David and they expected this messiah to as great as David who grew from a being shepherd to a great ruler. Hopefully this messiah could overthrow the Romans occupying their land. However, Jesus had just told them about the first great commandment of loving God with all their hearts, and with all their souls, and with all their minds, and with all their strength. The Saviour, from the line of David, would not be equal but greater than David. He would conquer His enemies not through war but through love.
Corporate Leadership
It is always easier to speak from a position of authority. If a person is long enough in a company, he tends to hold a more senior position and his staff and colleagues would tend listen to him. However, it is not always that respect is given even if a person is more knowledgeable or more senior. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He did not use His authority to challenge the authority of the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees and scribes. On the contrary, He spoke about the love of God and the love in return to Him. Likewise, a good leader may be in a position of authority but he does not abuse this position. If he does, he knows that the respect is lost. On the other hand, his concern and care wins over his colleagues and even those that may disagree with him. – XW
Family Leadership
Some families may employ maids to do housework. Some families may know of janitors near where they live. There could also be people to do the menial work at eating places. Whoever they are, they should still be respected. Teenagers and children may know that such people are viewed as lowly-paid employees and look down upon them. Parents have to caution their children against this behaviour. For Jesus, He never abused His position as the Son of God. On the contrary, He spoke frequently about the love of God. Likewise, parents can point out that they are privileged. Being privileged, they are also obliged to reach out to others first rather than despise them. Even though they may find menial work demeaning, they can still smile at their maids, greet them cheerfully, say a “Thank you” to janitors and be considerate of cleaners while they perform their jobs – XW
