Luke 22:24-38
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.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 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. 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.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
Reflection
This is not the first time that the disciples have disputed about which of them was the greatest (see Luke 9:46–48). Jesus addresses the matter head-on and turns our values upside down. Human greatness is not found in having authority, receiving honor, or being a recognized leader. Rather, in God’s kingdom, it is the servant and the lowly who are the true leaders and the “great” ones.
Jesus himself is the ultimate model of this truth (Phil. 2:1–10). Following Jesus’ example, our lives together as Christians—individually and corporately— should be measured by this test: are we aiming to serve the church or to be served by others?
1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
Paul provides qualifications for deacons as well, demonstrating once more that the spiritual health of our leaders significantly impacts the advancement of the gospel. Indeed, when it comes to the spread of the gospel, a person’s lifestyle has the ability to either validate or discredit the message he preaches. Therefore, for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of our churches, Paul holds the leaders to a high standard. Those who meet that standard are able to do so only because of the gospel of grace, which is the only power that can transform the human heart.
Psalm 40:9-10
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Pray for the leaders in your church who have the responsibility of modeling the Christian faith for others. Ask God to give them a profound awareness of Christ’s grace so that they will be able to shepherd others with that same gospel message and Christlike love.