Luke 22:21-23 Jesus told the disciples one of the Twelve would betray him. Wouldn't you like to have eavesdropped on the conversation to understand it turned to v. 24, "Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest"?
It probably started innocently, with questions.
Who do you think he means?
Maybe it's _______?
Fill in the blank: Bartholomew, Simon the Zealot, James the Lesser, Philip, ...
(The name probably depended upon who was asking the question.)
Could it be me?
Then a subtle shift occurs in the conversation, as it cascades among the disciples.
No, it could never be me!
I would never betray Jesus!
I will fight for him!
As will I!
And I!
I will fight beside him!
So will I!
I will die for him!
Me, too! I will be faithful to the end!
Then the claims begin to escalate even more, as the testosterone in the room
jostles for position.
Jesus trusts me - He takes me (Peter), James, and John with him and
leaves the rest of you behind.
That's right. He's grooming us to be his lieutenants.
He obviously thinks we're more deserving than the others.
We've been with him the longest.
I wonder which one of us will sit at his right and left in the kingdom?
Gotta be me!
No, not you! You get off track too easily. He will pick someone steadier.
I suppose you mean he will choose you? That's a laugh.
...
They were probably close to asking Jesus to resolve the issue.
But as He was fully aware of their conversation,
He preempted their question, v. 25-27.
Jesus shocked them with His perspective on greatness.
You suppose My kingdom is like all the other kingdoms on the earth. It is not.
Greatness in my kingdom is not about loyalty or valor or honor or authority;
it's about meekness and service.
Be like a little child, helpless and humble and totally dependent.
Serve the body, My body. Meet needs.
Then you will be truly great.
Lord, help us come humbly into Your presence, as we truly have nothing about which we can boast.
January 22, 2012
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