According to Kraybill, there are four types of power. The first one is financial power, which is rooted on economic resources such as money, and is considered the most important source of power. There is also the expert power based on special information and knowledge. A third type of power is organizational power that arises when an individual is positioned to manage a certain department, and the last type is personal power arising from the personality traits of a person. In the contemporary society, individuals tend to equate power to the ability to lead or do something in a more superior manner. Greatness according to Kraybill, relates to the teachings of Jesus regarding hierarchy. Jesus asks who is greater, for instance, between the president and the stewardess. In relation to this, Jesus shows the need to embrace hierarchy while serving and respecting one another. For individuals, greatness is a matter of exercising power on the minors, or the followers. It involves having the opportunity to make decisions and enjoy the privileges of being superior.
I believe Kraybill could not answer the questionnaire about who is great in a manner other respondents could. This is because the book explains how the disciples fought against themselves without drawing any conclusion as to who was great. Peter thought he was great because he got to get the clear image of Jesus as the Messiah first, James and John also felt that they were superior because they were the first to notice the transfiguration first. They could screen other visitors but push away children and Jesus did not approve of it. Therefore the Messiah indicates that nobody is greater than the other.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The modern respondents’ indicate that power is the ability to take charge and decide what can or cannot be done. Modern power has been invaded by greed. Jesus did not use his powers wrongly, He used His powers to help those in need. He didn’t use His power for self beneficiary he openheartedly submitted his loyalty and served at the bottom with his people. He did not force people to abide by his rules, they were moved by his encouraging word.
This is contrary to our expectations because leaders use their power to grab for more power and more often at the expense of others. Leaders usually rank themselves as the most high and do not mix with others often, they discriminate people that they lead. Usual governance is enrolled with a series of laws that reinforce it. Most of the laws force the people to participate on matters that they don’t comply with like paying of taxes.
Refences
Kraybill, D. B., & Sine, T. (2003). The upside-down kingdom (p. 19). Scottdale, PA: Herald press..
