Luke 22:24-27 - Leading as a servant

Scripture:

 

Luke 22:24-27

24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.

25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' 

26 "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 

27 "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

People tend to want to be viewed as important.  We may not aspire to be a CEO, politician, or celebrity, but we want respect from others and to be treated better than the average person.  Indeed, we generally desire recognition and even a life of ease (verse 27a).

 

And like the disciples here, we can find ourselves involved in ridiculous comparisons and jockeying for position (verse 24).  Often times this is just in our mind, but sometimes even outwardly disputing like the disciples.  Can you imagine how they must have felt after hearing Jesus' response to their arguing?

 

Jesus shows us a new way, His way (verses 26-27).  Rather than being focused on our own importance and comfort, and even abusing any authority we have (verse 25), if we would be "great" in God's eyes, we must make ourselves servants, now.  Rather than seeking to be served and lauded by others, we should serve them.

 

For those familiar with this passage, we quickly nod our heads in agreement.  Yes, we must be servants, of course.  The trouble comes in when we examine ourselves!  Are we being servants?  What would our family members say?  The people we work or go to school with?  What about the people we had to wait in line or in traffic with?  Were we servants, or more concerned about being first?

 

And further, what's in our mind?  Are we serving merely on the outside, but bitter inside?  Or are we like our Lord, genuinely pleased to serve others.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, give me a servant's heart, looking to serve and not to be served.  Help me to get my mind off myself and on to the needs of others.

 

Help me to have faith in You.  I can lay down my "rights," and trust You to reward me with rewards that will never be taken away.

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.