One who serves

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. –Luke 22:24 (NIV)

Even though they had been with Jesus the better part of three years, the apostles could not help themselves. They fell into the trap of comparing themselves to one another to determine who was the greatest.

But greatest at what? Most studious? Most devout? Most likely to succeed? Best miracle worker? Jesus’ favorite? And what was the prize for being greatest? Authority over the others? Special assignments? First-place trophy? Certificate of appreciation? You may recall Mrs. Zebedee asking for top cabinet positions for her boys (Matt. 20:20-23).

Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that.” –Luke 22:25-26a (NIV)

In a “Be careful what you ask for” moment, Jesus reminded them of His standard for greatness: Become a servant. Pride and position have no value in the Kingdom of Christ. This was not new ground they were covering.

Some have wondered why Jesus spent time washing the feet of the apostles just hours before His arrest. Now you know. This fundamental concept had somehow managed to elude them up to this point. With a rapidly shrinking window of time before His crucifixion, they needed to get this.

“Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” –Luke 22:26b-27 (NIV)

The temptation to compare ourselves to others is strong. It’s a losing game, generally leading to pride or despair. And we’re really good at manipulating that equation. Do I need affirmation or an excuse? I’ll just compare up or down to accommodate the need. It affects our attitude toward service as well. Is the one being served deserving? Are they appropriately appreciative? Do they recognize the sacrifice being made on their behalf?

The ground is level at the foot of the cross. None of us are too good to serve. None of us are in a position to judge another to be any better or worse than ourselves. All of us are beneficiaries of the One Who came as “one who serves”. “Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” The King of kings washed the feet of Judas Iscariot. Let that one sink in....

“You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me.” –Luke 22:28-29 (NIV)