Knowing The Word in Luke 22:24-30, Who is the Greatest?

In what form do you imagine the dispute among the disciples took shape, especially during such a serious meal? Did Jesus, as we see in John, then take a basin of water and a towel and wash his disciples’ feet to teach them about the greatest serving the youngest? Others have dropped away during difficult times with Jesus, but they have not. The future of his disciples is going to be hard. Here Jesus encourages them with a future vision in which they will enjoy the Messianic banquet and help rule in the future kingdom. All of this is covenant language that guarantees their future as God always keeps his covenant.

Luke 22:24-30

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.

Prayer

Lord Christ, our Servant and Savior, on earth you washed the feet of your disciples, and now through your cross and resurrection you always live to make intercession for us: give us grace to be your faithful disciples and servants to our lives’ end; for your name’s sake.

Stephen S. Smalley