The nineteenth century British historian Lord Acton once said, ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. ” He was speaking about the tendency in all societies for those in power to use it for themselves and their own aims.

Jesus’ words to his disciples describe the Jewish power structure of his day. The original readers of Matthew’s Gospel, probably written in Palestine or Syria towards the end of the first century, knew well the Jewish communities around them. They would see abuses of power in them, but more importantly would they see it in their own church and in themselves too?

Abuse of power is usually there no matter what society, secular or religious, you consider, and it’s found on many levels. We think of people in high positions in government and business abusing power, but what about ordinary people like ourselves? We have ways for “lording it over others” too.

Lord,

it’s easy to see the faults of others,

and call them to account.

Harder to see faults in ourselves;

and recognize the wrong we do.

Give me grace to do that hard thing–

To know myself

and ask for the grace to repent