Earn Others’ Love & Respect
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Read Mark 12:35–37
Reflection
Jesus was having a series of conversations with the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and scribes. All of them were knowledgeable about Judaism. The scribes, for example, were teachers of the Jewish law and tradition around 5 BC — 1 AD. They transcribed and edited the teachings of the Old Testament prophets. The Jews were expecting a messiah from the line of King David and they expected this messiah to as great as David who grew from a being shepherd to a great ruler. Hopefully, this messiah could overthrow the Romans occupying their land. However, Jesus had just told them about the first great commandment of loving God with all their hearts, and with all their souls, and with all their minds, and with all their strength. The Savior, from the line of David, would not be equal but greater than David. He would conquer His enemies not through war but through love.
It is always easier to speak from a position of authority. If a person is long enough in a company, he tends to hold a more senior position and his staff and colleagues would tend to listen to him. However, it is not always that respect is given even if a person is more knowledgeable or more senior. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He did not use His authority to challenge the authority of the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and scribes. On the contrary, He spoke about the love of God and the love in return to Him. Likewise, good leaders may be in a position of authority but they should not abuse their position. If they do, respect is lost. On the other hand, their care and concern win over their colleagues and even those who may disagree with them. Stellan Skarsgård, a Swedish actor said, “The only respect you should have is the one you earn.” — XW
Some families may employ maids to do housework. Some families may know of janitors near where they live. There could also be people to do menial work at eating places. Whoever they are, they should still be respected. Teenagers and children may know that such people are viewed as lowly-paid employees and look down upon them. Parents have to caution their children against this behavior. For Jesus, He never abused His position as the Son of God. On the contrary, He spoke frequently about the love of God. Likewise, parents can point out that they are privileged. Being privileged, they are also obliged to reach out to others first rather than despise them. Even though they may find menial work demeaning, they can still smile at their maids, greet them cheerfully, say a “Thank you” to janitors and be considerate of cleaners while they perform their jobs. Thomas Huxley, an English biologist, and anthropologist said, “The great thing in the world is not so much to seek happiness as to earn peace and self-respect.” — XW
