Pentecost 23 – Leadership, Power and the Way of God
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Leadership, Power and the Way of God
A short reflection based on Joshua 3:7-17 and Matthew 23:1-12
What does faithful leadership look like? Today’s readings offer a striking answer: leadership is less about status and more about helping others find their way.
In Joshua, the priests carrying the ark of the convenant step into the flooded Jordan and remain standing in the river while the whole community crosses. It is a powerful picture. They don’t lead from a safe distance. They stand in the difficult place so others can move forward. Yet the story also asks us to remember those already living on the other side of the river. Liberation for one group must never become permission to dispossess or silence another. In Aotearoa, that invites us to listen carefully to tangata whenua and to histories that dominant voices have sometimes overlooked.
Jesus, meanwhile, challenges religious leaders who enjoy honour and titles but place burdens on others. His criticism isn’t an invitation to point fingers. It asks us to examine ourselves. Do our words match our actions? Does our leadership make other people stronger, or simply make us feel more important?
Jesus offers another way: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Leadership shaped by God’s love shares power, listens well and protects the dignity of others.
Sometimes we lead by taking the first step. Sometimes we lead by standing quietly in the middle of someone else’s difficult crossing. And sometimes faithful leadership begins simply by listening.
We cross together.
Stand with others. True leadership means using our strength and influence to help others cross difficult places.
Choose service over status. Godly authority is measured not by titles or recognition, but by humility, listening and care.
Ngā mihi
Philip
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:
https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-23-1-november-2026