Knowing The Word in Luke 22:24-30

Who Is the Greatest?

22:24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Comments

Only Luke tells us of this upper room dispute. One wonders in what form this dispute took shape. Jesus said they were not to be authoritarian leaders, but as servants. Did Jesus, as we see in the Gospel of John, then take a basin of water and a towel and wash his disciples’ feet to show them the kind of servant leadership he spoke?

These men had stayed with Jesus while others had dropped away during the difficult times. Yet, the future would be hard. Jesus encouraged them with a future vision in which they would enjoy the Messianic banquet and help rule in the future kingdom. All of this was covenant language that guarantees their future since God always keeps his covenant.

Application

Servant leadership is Christian leadership. Servant leadership is not an option. It is a mandate that was exemplified by Jesus. Leadership is an act of service to others. How do you practice leadership in your life?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the greatest and I am the least. Help me believe this today as I serve others, being a leader in your name.