The problem of power (Judges 7-8, Luke 22)

God had been so clear. He had picked a weak man from a weak clan. He had reduced the army down to 300 to show the victory had come from the Lord and not from their strength and yet something seemed to go to Gideon’s head. I wonder if we get a hint of it with the battle cry “for the Lord and for Gideon” (Judges 7:18). It’s a common temptation to want to make a name for yourself. Sadly it affects those within the church as well as within the world. Was Gideon’s revenge on the people of Succoth motivated by pride? And what about the Ephod (7:27)?

But it’s not just Gideon, in our gospel reading the disciples are arguing about which of them is the greatest! (Luke 22:24). It’s a reminder that the Bible is not a book of heroes! As Shai Linne helpfully reminds us “There is only one hero and His name is Jesus.” Jesus tells us the way to greatness is through service, it’s not about making a name for yourself but it’s about humbly serving others. After Jesus has taught this, he prays for what He’s about to face for us. Dr Luke tells us that Jesus’ sweat became like great drops of blood, such was His anguish (Luke 22:44). He thought not of his interests but of ours. He used his power to serve us.