“The Gospel presents a scene that feels surprisingly familiar. Jesus is walking toward Jerusalem. He knows suffering and sacrifice await Him.

But what are the disciples discussing? Power. James and John approach Jesus and say: “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”

In other words: “Lord, when You become successful, can we reserve the highest positions?”

Does that sound familiar? People competing for position. People seeking recognition. People wanting influence.

Even in our time, many enter leadership not always to serve but to secure power, status, visibility, or advantage.

Jesus responds with words that should be written in every office, every city hall, every government building, every senate hall, and perhaps even every church office: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Jesus completely turns leadership upside down.

In the world, greatness often means: How many people obey you.How many privileges you receive. How many cameras follow you.

But for Jesus, greatness means: How many people become better because of you.

Today I ask myself—and perhaps all of us should ask: What if our public servants truly understood this Gospel?

What if senators understood that a seat in the Senate is not a throne but a table of service?

What if congressmen understood that public funds are not personal rewards but resources entrusted for the common good?

What if politicians measured success not by surveys but by hungry people fed, schools improved, hospitals strengthened, corruption reduced?

Imagine if leadership became less about reelection and more about responsibility. Imagine if public office became what it truly means: public service.

But before we point fingers at leaders, Jesus speaks first to us. Because leadership is not only for senators and congressmen. Parents lead families. Teachers lead students. Priests lead communities. Business owners lead employees. Older siblings influence younger ones. The temptation is the same everywhere: To be served instead of serving.

Jesus gives us His own example: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Notice—Jesus had all authority, yet He chose humility. He had power, yet He washed feet. He was Lord, yet He carried the Cross. That is Christian leadership.

So today let us pray: Lord, raise up leaders for our country who seek service more than applause, integrity more than influence, and sacrifice more than privilege.

And Lord, begin with us. Because the renewal of a nation begins not in Congress, but in converted hearts. Amen.”