Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/521

156* people saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father's loins!" In other words, he would burden the people more than his father. Because of this foolish answer ten tribes left him. All this shows that even Solomon, with all his wisdom, burdened his people with great oppression.

Therefore a good Christian who is obliged to carry his neighbor's burdens cannot impose the pagan burden of authority on others. When, one day, the disciples of Christ disputed who was the greatest of them, Jesus said to them: "Do you know that the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over the people, seeking authority, honors and enrichment?" And they call it a good thing! Therefore Jesus forbids his disciples all lordship with its pride and cruelty and compulsion" Do you want to be like them? You do not know what you ask for. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the least."

Such pagan lordship does not befit the people of Jesus which ought to stand together in an equality of a  LI [sic]-Kings 12: "My little finger is thicker than my father's loins! And now, whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions!" (v.11, ).

Luke 22: 25–26,.

Luke 22: 26.