Summary: Jesus taught his followers not to seek power but to serve. He promised them a place in his Kingdom because they stayed faithful, and he gave them authority to judge with him.
Gospel Acclamation: I call you my friends, says the Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me. (John 15:15b)
An argument broke out among the Apostles about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.
For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”