Contrasting The Kingdoms Series

LUKE 22: 24-30

CONTRASTING THE KINGDOMS [JESUS’ LAST NIGHT SERIES]

[Matthew 20:17–28 & Mark 10:32–45]

In this sermon series we are looking at Jesus’ last night. His last night before His death started on Thursday evening. Jesus has just instituted the Lord’s Supper and then told of His imminent betrayal by one who shared His table. After each questioned himself, they each asked Jesus if they were the one who would betray Him (Mt 26:22).

The discussion spread from who was the worst among them to who was the best. Such an argument is shocking on this solemn occasion where Jesus has foretold His suffering and the establishment of the New Covenant. In this final dialogue in the Upper Room, Jesus tells the disciples something of what His kingship is about. The passage before us describes the rivalry between the disciples and the contrasting servant role of Jesus (CIT).

I. WHO IS THE GREATEST? 24-27.

II. WHO WILL BE HONORED, 28-30.

What makes for greatness before God? Yes, certainly it’s faithfulness, but even more it is the Holy Spirit enabled service that reveals one’s faithfulness. In the midst of Jesus’ disclosing His coming suffering & its significance, the apostles’ conversation turns abruptly to who is number one among them in verse 24. “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.”

One moment the disciples were saying, “Am I the betrayer?” then the next they were saying, “Aren’t I something?” [This is what happens to anyone trying to live a performance-oriented faith. If you live by rules and regulations—trying to impress God with your devotion, your ministry, your piety—like the disciples, you probably vacillate between feeling like a betrayer who can’t keep your own standards and a superstar when you do keep them for a day or two. If your walk has been up and down, it is probably because you are clinging to a performance-based Christianity. Instead, realize that, because, on the Cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished,” there is nothing else that can or must be done. Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 406.]

The word “considered” (dokei, “seems,” “is regarded”) is used since status has to do with self-perception and with how one desires to be perceived by others. Most people seek power or prominence over others. They think that is what would make them great. A great burden in leadership is the propensity for people to compete with one another rather than co-operating as a team, and Jesus’ disciples were no different in this respect. [R. C. Sproul, A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke (Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1999), 392.] They were arguing among themselves as to who is the greatest. The implication of this argument rested on who would receive the highest offices in Jesus’ kingdom. [The Apostles still seem to be thinking of Jesus’ Kingdom as an earthly one.]

Jesus responses by telling them that such thinking is like that of pagans in verse 25. ‘And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.’

Jesus replies by reminding the disciples of two objectionable characteristics of secular rulers. First, in the ancient world when men exercised “authority” they would lord it over (kyrieuousin) others. First Peter 5:3 warns elders in the church against this attitude.

The second is inferred from Jesus’ use of the term “benefactors” (euergetai) which literally means, “ones who do good.” It was an honorary title that the government gave to princes, emperors and the gods [Butler, Trent. Luke. Holman NT Commentary. Nashville, TN. 2000. p 370.]. Jesus’ implication is that they called themselves that in spite of the fact that they usually promote injustice and unfairness.

Jesus is teaching them that while the kings of the Gentiles like to exercise their lordship over the people, they are careful to ensure they are called ‘benefactors’ in order to dupe people into believing that what they care about are the interests of the people themselves. [R. C. Sproul, A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke (Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications, 1999), 392.] But it was an oppressive system that limited wealth to the privileged few, a society without freedom, without opportunity, and without love and care.

The conclusion of Jesus is that disputes concerning status should not arise in the kingdom of God, no matter what may happen in the world. Verse 26 contrasts leadership in His kingdom. “But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

The followers of the Messiah should not seek for greatness or recognition. Jesus’ kingdom was entirely different than the kingdom of this world. Jesus says seek for opportunities to be a doer of good for others. Rather than wanting to be the greatest, His followers should each desire to be the one who serves.