We hear of Jesus’ enthronement in the readings for this Sunday, but we hear as well of his suffering. Interestingly, the two go together. It may be hard to grasp when you really think about it: God became a human being—took a human body—and was like us in every way except giving into the temptation to sin, which is almost unavoidable for people at one time or another.

No one likes the suggestion that suffering can be useful. If “no pain, no gain” is the rule, some of us would prefer the no gain, thanks! Yet it’s obvious even on a biological level that some pain is constructive and can lead to greater strength, healing, and wholeness. Athletes know this when they commit to tearing down muscles in order to build more efficient ones.

Toward the end of the last century management expert Robert Greenleaf initiated the modern servant leadership movement benefit on reforming the authoritarian business management model. The concept was simple and had actually been outlined by Jesus 2,000 years earlier: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.

Scripture today will speak of approaching the throne of God not in fear but confidently to receive mercy and find grace to help us. With that hope we turn to God to ask forgiveness.

"Can you drink the cup that I drink?” True power: James and John think it comes from status—how close you are to the head of the table. They are like those who lord it over others or think they can save themselves. For one thing, only God assigns the seats at the messianic banquet.

Have you ever thought or been told that some difficult situation you are facing is “God’s will”? What does that say about the kind of God we believe in? After all, if a friend regularly—and purposefully—hurts us and simply explains that he or she does so for our own good, would we really want to continue a relationship with that person? Why would we think God is like this supposedly helpful friend?

I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings. —Margaret Mead