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.
He says His way is a paradox. That to lead, one must serve. A leader in His kingdom does not sit at the chief table or demand the biggest office, the highest salary, or the most attention. Jesus says that leadership in His kingdom involves service. [Bruce Larson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Luke, vol. 26, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1983), 315.]
[“But you” is emphatic with the word “you” standing at the very beginning of the clause (hymeis de). Jesus makes a point about true greatness. One should not seek the veneration given aged people in ancient Near Eastern society but be content with the lower place younger people had. [Walter L. Liefeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 1027–1028.]
NAPOLEON once said, “Alexander and I built two of the greatest empires in the history of the world, and where are they now? Ours were based on fear. Jesus came in love and built a kingdom that grows stronger every year.” Jesus speaks of spiritual power that is distinct from and beyond the power derived from the governments, armies and the nuclear bombs of this world. [Bruce Larson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Luke, vol. 26, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1983), 315.] Jesus’ perspective is different.
In verse 27 Jesus turned the question on the disciples in order to cause them to rethink the issue of greatness. ‘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.”
In human society, the person who is served at the table is generally reckoned the greater. But this is not to be the way among Jesus’ followers. Jesus Himself set the example by serving His disciples. He was among them “as one who serves.” As “one who serves” is a descriptive summary of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Jesus provides a vivid example of humble service in John’s account (Jn 13:12-20) of the Last Supper when He girts Himself with a towel and washes His disciples’ feet. Jesus was among them as One who serves (diakonon, “serves in a lowly way”).
The disciples should desire to be like Jesus. The followers of the Messiah should not think about such things as being greater than others. Rather than wanting to be the greatest, His followers should each desire to be the one who serves.
II. WHO WILL BE HONORED, 28-30.
In verses 28-30 Jesus explains that a time of vindication and exaltation will come for His faithful follower. This second saying of Jesus does allow particular commendation to the Twelve indicating that they will have places of honor in the kingdom. In verse 28 we find Jesus’ reason for honoring them. “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials,
Jesus recognized what His disciples had endured for His sake. They had remained loyal and supported Jesus throughout His trials and therefore ultimately, they will have places of honor in the kingdom.
Because in the face of untold pressure they stood firm, in verse 29 Jesus assigns them a role with Him in His kingdom. ‘and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,’
Their union with Jesus means that they will share in the benefits of His rule. Ultimately they will have places of honor in the kingdom because they were with Jesus in His trials.
There is plenty of glory to go around but hear the message that unless we are prepared to participate in the humiliation of Christ we cannot participate in His exaltation.
In verse 30 they are assigned their place at the king’s table. ‘that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Their honor includes enjoying sharing a table with Jesus, a reference to the messianic banquet (Luke 22:16). They will fellowship with Him and sit on thrones judging Israel’s 12 tribes (Mt. 19:28).
[Some understand this to mean that during the millennial reign of Christ on earth, the twelve apostles will have governmental authority over the regathered twelve tribes of Israel (Jer 23:3–8). These will be literal Jews who live through the Great Tribulation, and perhaps resurrected Old Testament saints as well (Mt 8:11). Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2064.]
IN CLOSING
The followers of the Messiah should not concern themselves with such things as being greater than others. Rather than wanting to be the greatest, His followers should each desire to be the one who serves and do so with humility. Remember Luke 17:10.
Within the shadow of His death Jesus reminds His followers that no matter how bad the suffering, rejection and persecution get, a day of vindication and authority is coming. Even in such suffering we can find victory if we will remember the example of Jesus, especially in His suffering for us on the old rugged cross. Jesus willingly embraced the darkest act of humiliation in the history of the world. But not only should we keep in mind His humiliation and suffering, but also the promise of what He will do for His followers in His eternal kingdom. “Though the authority given to the eleven is unique, all disciples share the promise of reward and a place at the table of messianic fellowship.” [Bock, Darrell L. LUKE, VIP New Testament Commentary Series. InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.352.]
Lord Jesus, we pray for a heart of humility. A godly humility that does not cheapen our own worth or value within, but one where we realize that we are here for a greater purpose than just our own gain. Please Lord Jesus destroy the root of pride in our lives so that we can receive your grace for You oppose the proud, but give grace to Your humble. You must become greater and I must become less.
We ask that You reveal to us what it truly means to live a humble life, and that our own worth will be revealed by Your Light. It is only then that we may truly live in freedom and right standing, for we will hold our own value correctly. Lord, we welcome You to mold and secure our hearts in true humility by Your Spirit’s leadership.
PRAYER: O Lamb of God, who, both by Your example and precept, instructed us to be meek and humble, give us grace throughout our whole life, in every thought, and word, and work, to imitate Your meekness and humility. Mortify in us the whole body of pride; grant us to realize that we are nothing deserve nothing. Grant, O Lord, that we may expect nothing, claim nothing; and go through life, not seeking our own glory, but looking wholly to you, and acting wholly for You.
All true good that is done on earth is done by You so let us always return to You all the glory. Let us, as a pure crystal, transmit all the light You pour upon & into us; but never claim as our own what is Your sole property. Help us be Your servants ready to serve You & others in whatever way would most help Your Kingdom and bring praise to Your Name.
