The Tale of the Mountain Guide
Imagine you're preparing for a dangerous mountain climb. You have two options for guides. The first is an experienced climber who emphasizes trust, mutual support, and communal decision-making. The second promises to lead authoritatively, taking full control and responsibility—no questions asked, just follow his lead. Most of us instinctively feel safer with the second guide; he exudes certainty and expertise. But what if he’s wrong? What if his absolute control blinds him—and thus you—to potential dangers?
This simple analogy sheds light on the hidden dangers of hierarchical power in the congregations many of us attend. We’ve been conditioned to see structure and hierarchy as comforting and trustworthy. Yet Jesus offers an entirely different model for congregating: an audacious, revolutionary method that abandons human hierarchy in favor of equality, humility, and mutual dependence.
Recognizing the Trap of Hierarchy
In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus skillfully highlights the inherent problems within hierarchical power structures. The passage begins innocuously enough—with Jesus paying the temple tax. But look closer: this tax was symbolic, supporting a temple hierarchy that Jesus later explicitly judged as corrupt and exploitative. By miraculously providing the tax from the mouth of a fish, Jesus gently critiques the existing order, demonstrating the absurdity of power structures humans build and defend.
This critique is subtle yet powerful, prompting His disciples' burning question: "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Mt 18:1). Their query strikes directly at the heart of human ambition and the pervasive desire for superiority.
A Radical Vision of Equality
Jesus responds not by providing a ranked list or hierarchy but by presenting a child as the model of kingdom greatness (Mt 18:2-4). Why a child? Because a child holds no authority, no power, no privilege in worldly terms. A child embodies trust, innocence, and openness—qualities essential for the kind of congregation Jesus envisions.
This imagery challenges us profoundly. Jesus' recipe for congregating is not to create powerful leaders and submissive followers, but to gather as equals, humble and faithful, unified in mutual dependence upon one another and upon God alone. It’s a daring proposition, especially in a world where hierarchy is deeply ingrained in every facet of our lives.
Congregations Built on Trust and Equality
When Jesus calls us to congregate, He offers no hierarchical framework, no clergy-laity divide, no institutional walls. Instead, He lays out a radical equality, where each individual is a vital, equally-valued participant in the life of the community. The core of His model is mutual respect, trust, and genuine love, unhindered by the corrosive forces of human ambition and pride.
In such congregations, members hold one another lovingly accountable. Issues are addressed openly, humbly, and restoratively, exactly as prescribed in Matthew 18:15-17. This process isn’t merely a nice suggestion—it’s foundational to a healthy, corruption-free gathering. It ensures that each person, no matter their past or position, remains equally respected, valued, and cared for.
The Challenge of Letting Go
Yet, embracing this Recipe requires courage. It demands letting go of familiar structures and trusted authorities. It calls us to a deep, uncomfortable humility and a radical rethinking of community. We must dare to congregate not as bosses and subordinates, but as peers who vulnerably share life's journey.
Many congregations find this daunting, choosing instead to replicate worldly models of power and leadership. But those who dare to live according to Jesus' Recipe experience a freedom, joy, and authenticity rarely found elsewhere. They discover firsthand that mutual love and respect can indeed flourish when hierarchy is abolished.
Reflection Questions
What role does hierarchy play in your current church experience?
Can you envision a congregation truly built on equality? What excites or frightens you about this idea?
How might embracing a hierarchy-free model enhance or challenge your personal faith journey?
About 'The Recipe':
This blog is part of a preparatory series for the upcoming book The Recipe, a guide exploring how Jesus' teachings in Matthew 17-18 offer a powerful, corruption-free model for congregational life. If this vision resonates with you, please subscribe. Your support directly aids in funding the effectual publishing of this essential message. Together, we can embrace a congregational life rooted in true equality and mutual love.