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262. One More Argument to Get Through!

Luke 22:24-30,
Key Verse: "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 22:27

This subject must have come up a lot among the disciples during Jesus’ ministry. We've had to deal with this already on several occasions. To have it take place even tonight, however, must have grieved our Lord bitterly. If you've ever taken your children out for a special occasion or served a special meal to celebrate something and then had it marred by constant squabbling, you may have some idea of the frustration and disappointment Jesus may have felt at this moment. These were supposed to be grown men after all!

Nevertheless, here we are again, talking about what the world worries about, who will get the credit? Who will get the honor? What's in it for me? Here is Jesus, wanting to have a close, warm last few minutes with His closest friends before He dies for them and they are distracted by, what is in God's view, pettiness.

How could this have happened, considering what Jesus had just done? Well, after the first part of the meal, so rich in symbolism, it is common for a feast to be served. After all, in many ways, this is similar to our American Thanksgiving. The liturgy is set aside for a time and the participants enjoy a wonderful meal together. While this is taking place, it makes sense that normal conversation would follow.

Perhaps there was discussion over where each disciple was placed around the table. After all, Judas had been given a position of honor. Now that he was out doing, who knew what, perhaps John and James grumbled a bit. After all, they had asked to be seated at Jesus’ right and left hands when He came into His kingdom. They were all probably angling for positions. It's part of our human nature to want to be recognized.

Again, Jesus, knowing who He was, pointed out, "I'm not concerned about such things. If I were, shouldn't you all be serving me? Yet, here I am, sitting among you as a friend." Did the disciples feel shame as Jesus pointed this out? If they didn't at the time, surely, as events unfolded, they soon would see for themselves just how petty they had been.

We are all guilty of this from time to time. Churches and individuals seem to be obsessed with the "bigger is better," mentality. We think that if we are honored by man, or impressive to others, surely God is of the same opinion! That's the foolishness of the disciples' behavior and recurring attitudes of worldliness. It's a tough habit to shake. Yet, we must keep in mind, the creator was born in a barn. The creator allowed Himself to be poor. The creator washed His betrayer's feet. Are we really asked to stoop so low that our Lord Himself has not gone yet lower for us?

Paul reminds us: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—death on a cross!" (Phil. 2:5-8) As a servant, He sat among them, though He had created them and had the right to rule over them. He has set the example for how we are to live among one another, not clawing for greatness, but begging to serve.

Perhaps, for our sake, it is good that the disciples had this dispute one more time so that we can be reminded once more, during this meal, how low Jesus was willing to go for the worst of sinners and for us.

Hymn: "The Servant Song

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