"It Shall Not Be So"

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

In the past I have read the text above and assumed that when Jesus speaks about the Gentile leaders that he was implying the governmental leaders. The more I read it, the more I realize that Jesus never says that he is speaking about the government. In fact, I think the implication has to do with religious leadership.

If that is indeed the case, what might the re3action of Jesus be to the typical leadership structures and how those function within the average "church". Within the usual hierarchical, top down leadership style prevalent in the "church" today, do we see more of an attempt to control the attitudes and behaviors of others or do we see authentic, self-sacrificial servants kneeling before others? I have an opinion but what say you?