The Gospels consistently portray Jesus as redefining status. He clearly teaches, for example, that those who serve have a higher status than those who are served. In Jesus' day (and in our own!) those who serve are social inferiors. If you doubt this is true in 21st Century US culture, think about who is addressed by Mr. or Ms. and who is called by their first name.
There is, of course, a kind of paradox in this, because ultimately I believe that the more fundamental message is that status and hierarchy in themselves, undermine the principle of mutual respect that is required for the beloved community to emerge. But because those of high social status have a more difficult time honestly and vulnerably engaging those of lower status, the teaching is directed to counter the presumption of those who are of a higher status.
Social status confers power and privilege that is easily abused by those who have it. The privileged and powerful often have difficulty listening attentively to those without power and privilege. The dangerous assumption that one's position is the result of one's virtues can foster a kind of arrogance that dismisses the claims made by those without.
Similarly, those of low status, without social power or privilege, are vulnerable to the danger of assuming that lack is attributable to their own personal failing or destiny.
Both of these dangers are addressed by Jesus' overturning of status and hierarchy. His teaching and the practice of the early Christian movement takes the view that personal worth is based on one's being a child of God. All voices and lives in the beloved community are to be recognized in our life together.
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