Jesus’ influence defied all conventional templates. He possessed no wealth, commanded no armies, and held no political office. His authority did not stem from a commanding physique or the mechanisms of state. Why, then, does His name resonate with undiminished power, two millennia later? The answer reveals the only formula for influence that endures, requiring dedication to His word.
What sustained Jesus then, and sustains Him now, was not a cult of personality but a transferable principle—a way of life He imparted to His disciples. His true power was manifested most clearly when some of those disciples, still thinking in worldly terms, sought positions of authority over others. His response redefined greatness forever:
“But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28, ESV).
Jesus did not seek adoration; He demonstrated love through intentional, steadfast service. This revolutionary economy of power—where influence is earned through giving, not taking—has proven to be more durable than any empire. This makes it unnecessary to think that Jesus carried something beyond humanity’s reach. Much of what we believe we lack is actually abundant, if only we recognize the power of service.
The Illusion of Worldly Power
History is littered with figures who wielded power through fear, wealth, and force. In oppressive regimes, control is mistakenly equated with military might. The wealthy believe money can buy protection and obedience, creating systems where cartels dominate, and the majority suffers. This model is inherently unsustainable, fueling the cycles of poverty and fear seen across the globe. Nothing else keeps humanity so deeply trapped in subjugation.
Yet, as the adage goes, “knowledge is power.” In an oppressive context, knowledge is often the first casualty—suppressed, discredited, or monopolized. Those with guns and money may control the media and dictate the narrative, but they cannot control the truth forever. Their influence, like mist, is fleeting. It creates an illusion of control that merely prolongs human suffering. Oppressors are trapped in the false belief that they will live forever.
The Unshakeable Power of Service and Knowledge
True power resides in the indispensable service born of genuine knowledge. Consider the executive who depends on the employee who manages their life’s details, or the famed visitor who must rely on a local guide for survival in unfamiliar terrain. In the Matobo Hills, a barefoot girl with intimate knowledge of the land holds more immediate power than the wealthiest executive, who is unfamiliar with the area. Her service—enabling safety—is irreplaceable.
This principle is timeless. Dorcas (Tabitha) in the Book of Acts was so vital to her community through her service of sewing clothes for the poor that her death brought profound grief, leading to her miraculous restoration to life (Acts 9:36-41). Her power was her generous skill. This dynamic reveals the three pillars of authentic power: Knowledge, Responsibility, and Control.
To truly help others, you must first understand what they need (knowledge). You must then commit to meeting that need (responsibility), which grants you moral authority (control). This is the power of the chef who nourishes, the healer who heals, and the teacher who enlightens. Their skills may differ, but each wields an unmatched field of influence.
The Power Within and the Challenge of Expression
Every person is endowed with this potential. Being created in the image of God means each of us carries a unique deposit of knowledge and purpose—a specific way we are meant to serve the world. The great tragedy is not that power is hoarded by the few, but that it remains dormant within the many. We live in a world that often rewards imitation over authenticity, pushing people to covet others’ positions rather than cultivate their own purpose.
This mindset has even infected religious institutions, where performances of piety can overshadow the core commandment to serve. Jesus cut through this, distilling the essence of divine law into a principle of empathetic action: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, ESV).
Pride seeks to elevate the self by diminishing others; true power elevates others through the authentic offering of the self. Jesus, who owned nothing and attended no prestigious schools, derived His unassailable strength from His connection to the Source of all wisdom. His crucifixion was the world’s attempt to silence this truth, yet it only proved that power rooted in service and truth is ultimately indestructible.
Many speak of the miracle of Jesus Christ’s saving power, yet overlook that the essence of redemption lies in understanding oneself. Each person must discover their life’s purpose and embrace the responsibility to serve in line with God’s will. No one should blame others for failing to fulfill their own calling. Every individual, made in God’s image, possesses a unique power that no one else can replicate. No form of tyranny should suppress this, for death—the greatest enemy of humanity—was defeated on the cross.
The Path Forward
The real key to tackling humanity’s challenges lies in this awakening, much more than in any motivational speech from the world of fame. The challenge is dual-faced: for the oppressor to relinquish the illusion of control, and for the oppressed to refuse to be silenced. We must shed the false hierarchies Jesus condemned (Matthew 23:8-12). This suggests we should acknowledge the unique “kingdom” within each person—a space where their talents and efforts earn them genuine, respectful influence. Yet, Jesus remains the ultimate authority, and His word should always be followed with devotion and faithfulness.
There is no strength in laziness or false humility. The greatest among us, as Jesus taught, are those who work the hardest in the service of others. It is time to stop idolizing external symbols of power and start investing in the profound, generative power within. For when we serve from the truth of who we were created to be, we don’t just gain influence—we step into a legacy that, like His, can outlive time itself. Otherwise, there’s no real point to living in this world.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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