Jesus and the powerful. Whilst it is true that Jesus spent the majority of

his time with the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalized, it is not

true that he was therefore against the powerful, influential or rich.

Indeed he welcomes powerful people to himself, receives support from the

rich, and those who follow him instruct us to pray for our leaders. What he

does stand against though, is all forms of pride - religious, social,

economic and self-related. Because pride is a barrier to entry into his

kingdom of life. Humility is the only way in. Godly humility looks like

Jesus. It is neither self-denial, nor self-aggrandizement. Rather it is an

acceptance of our gifts and talents, and a receiving of God’s honor towards

us - and a submission of our self and our ability to use in his kingdom.