One of the things I love about Jesus is the way that He teaches. Now, in some ways, I would prefer a didactic, logical, clearly outlined type of teaching with points and sub-points that allow for a thorough understanding of a topic in a clear and succinct way- but that’s not the way that Jesus does it - and I love it, I love Him more for it. As we’ve seen throughout our study of Luke’s gospel, Jesus teaches in story and parable making His teaching memorable. He teaches based on life around Him - holidays, days of the week, circumstances in which He and His disciples find themselves. He teaches for life-transformation and not for information-transfer.
Last week, we got to observe Jesus and his disciples at the last supper before His betrayal and crucifixion. It was there that He instituted the ordinance that we call Communion. It was also there that Jesus mentioned that His betrayer was as the table with them. Luke notes at the conclusion of those verses: Luke 22:23 “And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.”
Their discussion about who would be the worst of them quickly shifted into who would be the greatest.
If you have your Bibles, open the to Luke 22. It’s on page 840 in the pew Bible. I do want to encourage you to have a copy of God’s word open as there are a few things that I’d like you to be able to see in the text.
In the midweek email, I asked you to read verses 24-30. We’re actually going to go a bit beyond that. As I have been studying this, it seems like the argument of the text expands beyond the initial pericope. There is more that Jesus needs to teach on the topics that we’re discussing today.
Luke 22:24–38 ESV
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 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.
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
Before we look closely at this text today, I’d like to point out something that may not be as clear to us. Look in your Bibles at verse 29. In the ESV, the Greek word used there is translated “assign” - Jesus assigns to the disciples as the Father assigned to Him - a kingdom. In many ways, this Greek word is similar to what we might use in a will or a bequest. In fact other English translations note as much.
But that Greek word is the verb form of the word that is translated “covenant” in verse 20. In my Bible I circled both of those words and drew a line between them in order to help me see the correlation.
The translation of the Old Testament that Jesus likely used was the Greek translation - called the Septuagint. If you have a study bible, you may see this abbreviated as LXX. Many of the times that this Greek word is used in the Septuagint it’s translated as “make a covenant.” In other words, this is more than just a decree or an assignment, but something broader, more lasting, more devoted.
It’s as though Jesus could be saying, “I covenant to you a kingdom” or “I make a covenant with you as my father made a covenant with me a kingdom.”
So, are our English translations wrong? No. The Greek word does have a range of meanings - as do many of our own English words. “Assign, confer, grant, bestow” all work because Jesus is about to go to the cross and will soon ascend back to the Father - so in a sense this is part of His last will and testament.
At the same time, this is given in the context of a new covenant. He has just given them symbols of this covenant - His body and blood. Now, in the light of their discussion, He is helping them understand a bit of the culture or the expectations of the covenant - service and solidarity. Now, as we’ve seen throughout our study of Luke, these concepts of service and solidarity are not entire content of the new covenant - but they do help us understand a bit of how we should live in light of this covenant.
Jesus begins by talking about…
Service (24-27)
As the disciples are discussing who was the worst and the greatest of them, they seem to miss the point of what it means to be a citizen of Jesus’ Kingdom.
Jesus contrasts the ways that worldly leaders rule vs. the way that Jesus wants His people to lead
Worldly Leaders
In our day, we call politicians “public servants.” There is a sense in which that is true - many of them serve for the good of the community. And yet how often do we see that those in public service end up with great wealth as well.
There is a sense in which the leaders of Jesus’ day may have been viewed in the same way - as public servants, however, the ways that they served was not really expressed in service at all - it was expressed in power.
Jesus says that these leaders “exercise lordship” as they govern or reign. He notes that in their authority, they are called “benefactors.” What is it - dominance or beneficence?
In acting like “benefactors” they seem to be doing things for the good of the community - yet making a name for themselves in that. Even in our day, how often are large public works project named in honor of a politician who sponsored the legislation or took the initiative to make it happen?
These rulers or benefactors would sponsor public games, build big parks, and establish other public works projects in order to be seen as a benefit to the society - in many ways they were. However, the money for those “beneficent” projects came from heavy taxation. So they are seen as benefactors, but their beneficence would be fueled by “self-interest.” (NIVASB, 1711)
He contrasts their false beneficence and heavy-handed authoritarianism with the servant-minded approach of Kingdom leaders.
Covenant, Kingdom Leaders Serve
He is calling His disciples not to seek to be first or greatest.
The oldest are to act as though they are the youngest - not in terms of maturity, but in terms of importance. In their day, the youngest had no claim to authority or rule (ESVSB).
He goes on to say that those who do have positions of leadership, should do so with an attitude of service.
In many ways, this is not a new teaching for them. Back in Luke 9, the disciples were having a similar argument. Luke 9:46–48 “An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.””
I don’t think it’s that Jesus values youth over age, but rather He values service and humility over the presumption of authority and power that are often associated with age and position.
His instruction is based on His own life. Some commentators suggest that it could be at this point that Jesus got up and humiliated himself in front of His disciples and washed their feet - as we see in John 13.
He even notes that culturally, those who serve are seen as less important than those who “recline at table.” And yet Jesus, who could easily be considered the most important person in the world, lived as “one who serves.”
There is a balance that we all must navigate - to aspire to grow in our walks with God - in faith, in responsibility, in effectiveness - and yet do so with a humble attitude of service.
In addition to discussing this topic of service, Jesus addresses what Anyabwile called solidarity.
Solidarity (28-38)
In spite of their jockeying for power and position, Jesus does not abandon them. Jesus clearly has a long, even eternal view of His relationship with them. By extension - He has the same eternal view with us.
It seems like there are several areas where Jesus’ people get to experience solidarity with Jesus. First of all, we see this solidarity…
With Jesus’ in His Trials
Jesus notes that those around the table with Him were those who had been with Him throughout the trials of His ministry. Now, this does not refer to the civil, religious, and criminal trials that Jesus was about to endure. This really is about His life. Trials as He sought to live rightly before God.
Hebrews notes: Hebrews 4:14–16 “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I think this is an encouragement for us. Jesus faced temptations like we do - and even greater ones. He knows what it means to face opposition for the faith. He knows what discouragement feels like. His disciples witnessed that and remained with Him through that. The fact that Jesus experienced that, gives us hope that we are not alone when we face trials, temptation, suffering. He is with us. He has saved us into a community.
The second area we see solidarity is in future fellowship…
With Jesus at His table
Jesus notes that the assignment, bequest, or covenanting of a Kingdom includes fellowship - to eat and drink at His table. Now with this one and the next, it’s a bit unclear if Jesus is talking specifically about His apostles or if there is a larger community that He has in mind here. In their culture, and in many ways ours, there is an intimacy, a familiarity that comes with eating together. Jesus was sharing a meal with them. As we saw last week, and as we experience each month, communion or the Lord’s supper is a bit of that fellowship. But it also seems like Jesus is speaking about a future hope, a future fellowship, a future meal. Revelation calls this the Marriage Supper of the Lamb…
Revelation 19:6–9 “Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.””
Just as we might look forward to a time of celebration at a wedding, looking to the end of the engagement period to a time of covenant and consummation - so too in the faith, the time in which we live is like that engagement. Our groom has gone to prepare a place for us, His bride. We, are preparing ourselves by His Word and His Spirit as we grow in the faith, as we learn to love Him fully and love others deeply. Oh was a joyous feast that will be, when our faith becomes sight and Jesus reigns in majesty and glory.
Which brings us to our next point of solidarity…
With Jesus in His rule
Jesus notes that the disciples will sit on thrones judging the tribes of Israel. There is a sense in which this is specifically reserved for the apostles. Some have suggested that this is the literal nation of Israel and the ethnic tribes. Others have suggested that this is the spiritual Israel - which would include all believers. I look forward to us finding out.
But there is also a sense in which we too will get to reign with Jesus. Paul encouraged Timothy…
2 Timothy 2:12 “if we endure, we will also reign with him;…”
In talking about dealing rightly in disagreements in this life, Paul also reveals that there is a judging role for all believers in the future:
1 Corinthians 6:2–3 “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!”
Jesus clearly has a long view here. In the previous chapter of Luke’s gospel, Jesus talked about some of those future events - the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, wars, and the return of the Son of Man. He clearly has His followers, you and me, in mind as a part of that future. In fact, in verses 31-34 of our text, we get to witness that eternal and long view as Jesus demonstrates…
Jesus’ solidarity with us in our failure and restoration
Notice, He warns Peter of soon-coming denial. While Peter protests and Jesus reiterates this denial, Jesus notes that He has prayed for Peter and has a future plan for Him on the other side of that failure. Not only will He restore Peter to a right relationship, but then He urges Peter to strengthen the brothers.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all going to sin, to fail at some point. We will say cross words, our eyes will wander, our affections will be diverted. We may even stumble into what we might call gross sin. While our failure may tarnish our witness and dishonors Christ, it does not sever our relationship with Him. Jesus has a ministry of intercession and mediation and restoration. As He prayed for Peter, He is praying and interceding for you and me!
Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
1 John 2:1–2 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I believe that just as Jesus did not give up on Peter, even in the face of his denials, He does not give up on you and me. This is no excuse to blatantly sin, but it is a source of hope and encouragement for restoration and even future ministry.
Finally, we see in this passage, solidarity
In Jesus’ identification with us
In the final few verses of our text, Jesus urges the apostles to bring supplies with them in their ministry - including a sword. Of course, this quickly devolves into a discussion of how many swords. Does that mean that Jesus is pro-gun or pro-self-defense? I’m not sure. I think He is telling them to bring supplies because their ministry will be longer. But I think the point that Jesus is getting at is that He identifies with us.
Luke 22:37 “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.””
He is quoting from Isaiah 53:12.
Jesus identifies with us as humans. This second person of the Trinity who has existed from eternity past took on flesh to identify with us - with our weaknesses, with our temptations. He knows what it’s like to face physical, mental, relational, emotional challenges. He knows the joys of the successes that we experience. He knows the sting of betrayal. He identifies with us as humans.
Jesus identifies with us by affiliating with us as sinners - to redeem us. He demonstrated how to live a perfectly holy life. At the cross, He took our sin on Himself so that we might be made righteous. He atoned for our sinfulness.
Friend, Jesus knows the temptations you face. He knows how challenging our sin is. He does call us to live a life of holiness - marked out for Him - but He also knows that it is impossible, which is why he gave His life in exchange for us. When you and I repent of our sin - we turn away from trying to muscle our way into moralistic perfection, and turn to Him - trusting in His redemptive work (which gives us a clean slate) and in His indwelling Spirit (who acts as a guide, counselor, friend in our time of need). Will you come to Jesus today? Repent of your sinful way of life and turn, trust in Jesus’ atoning work. Let his life and His teaching transform you.
In addition to identifying with us as humans and as sinners, Jesus identifies with us…
With patience with us as we get distracted in meaningless discussions. I can understand how frustrated Jesus may have been with His disciples as he had to teach them yet again about Kingdom life. Their argument over who was the greatest and worst is a meaningless discussion. And yet how often do we delve into the same sort of meaningless matters? And yet as we’ve seen, Jesus doesn’t give up on us. Like a patient parent, He lovingly corrects and sets us on the right path, reminding us what is truly important.
Closing thoughts
Jesus used the silly squabbles of His disciples and His soon-coming trials as a means of teaching His disciples and us about two elements of the culture of a covenant community - service and solidarity. May we heed His instruction as we look for ways to serve Him, each other, and the world around us for His glory - recognizing all along that He is with us and is supplying what we need for the job before us.
Let’s pray.
Benediction
1 Corinthians 15:58 CSB
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Questions for reflection and discussion
Read: Luke 22:24-38
How does this passage relate to the section before?
In the sermon, we discussed how the word “assign” is related to “covenant.” Why is that important or helpful?
What prompted Jesus’ teaching on service?
What does servant-leadership look like?
In what ways did Jesus show solidarity with His followers?
What can we learn from Jesus’ instruction to Peter?
How should we view our own failures in light of Jesus’ instruction to Peter?
How does Jesus identify with us?
Sources:
Anyabwile, Thabiti. Exalting Jesus in Luke. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke 9:51-24:53. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Gentry, Peter J., and Stephen J. Wellum. God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015.
Liefeld, Walter L. “Luke.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.
Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1978.
Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
McKinley, Mike. Luke 12-24 for You. Edited by Carl Laferton. God’s Word for You. The Good Book Company, 2016.
NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
Stein, Robert H. Luke. Vol. 24. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.
The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Print.
Walker, Donald D. “Benefactor.” In Dictionary of New Testament Background: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship, 157–59. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
