Jesus makes a simple, but incredibly powerful comparison between those who seek their own honour and glory, like the scribes did, and those who are generous to others, like the poor, but generous widow (Mark 12: 38–44).
The temptation for most people, admittedly not all, but it’s certainly true of many people, is to lap up attention when it’s offered. The older you get, the more tempting this can become: it’s nice to be treated with respect, to be offered a nice seat at events. Just think about this: the wealthier and more powerful you are, the most likely you are to receive a free ticket to the AFL grand final!
Jesus is saying: none of that matters. This week we farewell Mr Nolan, so I have one last message for him, as he heads off to an important and significant role as Deputy Head of Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane. In his significant new role, he will often be offered the best seat in the house, right next to the Principal and the Chair of the School’s Council. When he sits in that chair, I invite him to remember one person: no, not me, but Jesus.
In that moment, as he takes his seat in the place of honour, there will be great wisdom in remembering that, in the end, it’s not about him or me – it’s about the person we follow. That person, Jesus, is empathetic, humble and generous. Empathy and humility, in particular, are incredibly important qualities in a leader. Self-awareness is the key to this. A good leader will always ask themselves, “Where is humility on my list of 24 character strengths?” Dame Jacinda Adern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and a fine example of a wonderful leader at the highest level, was especially impressive when she spoke about empathetic leadership. It is critical. Empathy, humility, kindness and generosity: hang on to these qualities.
The Reverend Dr Theo McCall
School Chaplain