When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But 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 become your slave. 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.” [Matthew 20.24-28]
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” [Luke 10.30-37]
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. [John 13.12-17]
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” [Acts 6.1-4]
Let's be honest. The apostles did not really follow Jesus' example and teaching (first three passages above) regardless how we suppose Acts 6.1-4 was the model beginning of Church government.
But what about Acts 6.5?
Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). [Acts 6.5]
"Everyone liking the idea" is NOT confirmation of the Holy Spirit (it can be, but, more times than not, it is not) no matter how upstanding the men they chose were.
Yes, the local Church grew, but at what price? Jesus' most profound instructions prior to His crucifixion had nothing to do with growing a local body of believers. Instead, Jesus was very specific that His followers should "go."
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]
It should not surprise us that upon Stephen's being martyred (Acts 6.8 - 7.60), great persecution ensued and the local body of believers was ironically dispersed. If Stephen was a "deacon," (elected to serve tables), why was he preaching and performing miracles in the first place?
Although good things eventually came of the Church's early beginnings, we should not be so quick to interpret everything they did (just because it is in the Bible) as the perfect will of God (again, Jesus said, "go" - not "stay and grow."
What Jesus said would be of no consequence if He was not the manifestation of "Immanuel - God With Us." But, as we realize that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father (John 14.9), we should understand that anything we set out to believe should FIRST pass the test of Jesus' words. We should NEVER allow ourselves to "interpret" Jesus' words to fit any other narrative. Why? Because HE is the only Living Word of God!
How much more important then is it to understand Jesus' words in Matthew 16?
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]
One cannot "follow" another who is not moving. Jesus said, "Go!"
What is said here gives good reason to question everything the local institutional Church is today... How does it match up to Jesus' words? Do we fear where this conversation will take us?
Father in heaven, may we see the truth of Your Word as it is written, but understand its clarity as it was lived and spoken by Jesus. May we give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Him. So be it.
