How does Rehoboam's response compare to Jesus' teachings on leadership in Matthew 20:25-28? Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 12:13-14—“Then the king answered the people harshly… ‘My father made your yoke heavy; I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions!’” • Matthew 20:25-28—“But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’” Rehoboam’s Leadership Snapshot • Inherits a united kingdom and immediate request: lighten Solomon’s tax and labor burden. • Consults elder advisors who urge compassion; rejects their counsel. • Heeds younger friends who urge dominance. • Responds with threats, brutality, and increased oppression. • Result: ten tribes revolt; nation is torn apart (1 Kings 12:16-20). Jesus’ Model of Leadership • Acknowledges worldly rulers “lord it over” others. • Commands a different pattern: servant first, slave of all. • Personal example: “did not come to be served, but to serve,” culminating in sacrificial death (cf. Philippians 2:5-8). • Greatness measured by self-emptying service, not power grabs. Side-by-Side Comparison • Motive – Rehoboam: self-exaltation, fear of appearing weak, desire for control. – Jesus: love, humility, salvation of others. • Method – Rehoboam: intimidation, heavier burdens, threats of violence. – Jesus: washing feet (John 13:3-15), healing, teaching, dying for sinners. • Outcome – Rehoboam: division, rebellion, weakened kingdom. – Jesus: unity of Jew and Gentile in one body (Ephesians 2:14-16), eternal kingdom built on voluntary allegiance. • View of Authority – Rehoboam: authority is leveraged to receive more service. – Jesus: authority is leveraged to give more service. Timeless Lessons • Listening to wise counsel softens hearts; rejecting it hardens both leader and people (Proverbs 11:14). • Power without humility alienates followers and invites judgment. • True greatness mirrors Christ: sacrificial, others-focused, firmly rooted in obedience to God’s Word. • Every sphere—home, church, workplace—thrives when leaders stoop to serve rather than stand to dominate. Invitation to Act Let Christ’s words reshape our leadership: lighten burdens, pursue servant-hearted greatness, and trust God to build lasting influence. |
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