Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:24-30
The lessons we learn in life could summarize all we would want to be like if we would only follow through with what we are shown, and humbly obey what the Lord is showing us. In this case, it is a reminder to us all how selfishly and often times egotistical of man to put himself in a place of honor, when truly what we are stepping into is the scene in which, Jesus is just finishing tell His disciples of His going to the cross. But how important it is for Him to want to eat this supper with His disciples before this suffering is to come to pass. There reasons could have come from being a part of Jesus washing their feet, and telling them of this example He has given to them, that they should do likewise (John 13:15). Jesus purpose of this example was to establish the model of loving humility. So here Jesus is telling them, “Look, I’ve really wanted to eat this Passover supper with you before I suffer. Now this bread is My body; it’s going to be broken for you. This cup is My blood; it’s going to be shed for the remission of sins. This is going to be the new covenant.” He is really now starting to focus on what is ahead of Him. The suffering of the cross. And all His disciples seem to be concerned about, which among themselves is going to be the greatest when He establishes His kingdom.
Benefactors—The kings of Gentiles exercise lordship over them: The word in the New Testament for “Gentiles,” is equivalent to “heathen.” And their lordship of the Israelites was called benefactors. No different today, when you’ve earned a bonus, or inherited a large sum of money, the government comes along and takes nearly half and says, I am your benefactor. In Jesus day, these people portrayed themselves as champions of their people, but it had a very condescending ring to it, especially since so many were really ruthless greedy tyrants, and tax collectors.
But not so among you—The followers of Christ were not to be likened to this type of people. Their greatness was not to come from a worldly standard. Just as today, we are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Jesus is teaching that the true path to greatness is the path of serving, rather than being served. One who even if necessary endures suffering to bring glory to God. Too many ministers have the wrong concept of the ministry. They fail to see the servanthood of the ministry as vital not only among their congregations, but in their communities as well. They come to the place probably because of their wealth, where they expect preferential treatment wherever they go. Not so! In reality, as a minister, you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and as His bondservant, you serve others willing, without expecting anything in return. You must become servant of all. Now Gentile leaders loved to rule over people. They loved dominion over other people’s lives. But Jesus said, “It shall not be that way among you. You need to learn to be servants of all.”
Continue with Me in My trials—Christ’s entire life and ministry were filled with temptations and trials of hardships, and of course sorrows. And because the life of a Christian is a life of perseverance there awaits at the end of it, a reward in the Father’s kingdom. In this case, we are witnessing the bestowing of the places of honor on the 12 chosen apostles, even though Judas Iscariot, would not be one of them as it was prophesied in the Scriptures. Jesus is saying to them, “You are those who have continued with Me and My temptations. And I appoint you a kingdom, just as My Father has appointed one to Me; that you may eat and drink at My table in the kingdom, and sit on the thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (vv.28-30). Jesus is confirming the disciples expectation of an earthly kingdom yet to come. It will not come in the timing or in the manner in which they would expect it to, but Jesus affirmed the promise that such a kingdom would indeed one day be established. And they would have a principle role of judging their fellow Israelites when they are seated there. Truly a glorious statement to meditate on. The Christian life is one that endures hardships now, yet, the best is yet to come.
Beloved friend, We are heading into a new month, we will soon be celebrating Passover, remembering our Lord’s sacrifice on Good Friday, and celebrating with Christians around the world of the Lord’s resurrection! The tomb is empty. Praise God that He has included us in His heavenly kingdom, and has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us there. That where He is there we will be also. It is glorious to know how secure our future is for all eternity in this uncertain and very lost world. People have no idea of the coming judgment on this world. If you and I would live with the kingdom viewpoint, perhaps we would make an impact on those who are outside the family of God. I read the story of Nicholas Herman (1611-1691) who was a Carmelite mystic born in France who became a Christian at the age of 18. He became a lay brother of an order of Carmelites in Paris where he worked in the kitchen as a “servant to the servants of God” until his death. He is best known though, for his little book of sayings, published under the name Brother Lawrence, called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” When he lay on his deathbed, Brother Lawrence said to those around him, “I am not dying. I am just doing what I have been doing for the past 40 years, and doing what I expect to be doing for all eternity.” When someone asked, “What is that?” Brother Lawrence replied, “I am worshipping the God I love! ” Friends, can we do the same? Love the Lord with all of our hearts for what He has done for us? Will we be praying earnestly that He be gracious and merciful to our unsaved families and friends as we gather together for these approaching holidays. Just the way He was merciful and gracious to us? Let us enter in our Father’s kingdom without any regrets of not doing our Father’s will. Let His standard of service to Him be ours as well. When He rewards us, it will be fair and just.
Prayer, Father God, Once again, thank You for Your salvation, Your resurrection and the cross. We see our sin debt as paid in full, and want You to help us live our earthly lives for Your kingdom and righteousness, and be a great blessing to others, In Jesus’ name, amen.
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
