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Luke 22:27 - Who Is Greater?

Luke 22:27 (NIV) 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 22:27 (NLT) Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

INTRODUCTION

The world's concept of leadership differs greatly from Jesus' teaching about leadership in God's Kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top. But among Christians, leaders are to be the ones who serve best. People have different styles of leadership - some lead through public speaking, some through administering, some through relationships - but every leader who is a follower of Jesus needs a servant's heart. Ask the people you lead how you can serve them better. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Law of Ministry
   All things both in heaven and in earth declare that the great law of life is a law of service. The infinite Father ministers to the life of every living thing. Christ came to the earth "as He that serveth." Luke 22:27. The angels are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Hebrews 1:14. The same law of service is written upon all things in nature. The birds of the air, the beasts of the field, the trees of the forest, the leaves, the grass, and the flowers, the sun in the heavens and the stars of light--all have their ministry. Lake and ocean, river and water spring--each takes to give.
   As each thing in nature ministers thus to the world's life, it also secures its own. "Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38), is the lesson written no less surely in nature than in the pages of Holy Writ.
   As the hillsides and the plains open a channel for the mountain stream to reach the sea, that which they give is repaid a hundredfold. The stream that goes singing on its way leaves behind its gift of beauty and fruitfulness. Through the fields, bare and brown under the summer's heat, a line of verdure marks the river's course; every noble tree, every bud, every blossom, a witness to the recompense God's grace decrees to all who become its channels to the world. ED 103-104

   Love and loyalty to Christ are the spring of all true service. In the heart touched by His love, there is begotten a desire to work for Him. Let this desire be encouraged and rightly guided. Whether in the home, the neighborhood, or the school, the presence of the poor, the afflicted, the ignorant, or the unfortunate should be regarded, not as a misfortune, but as affording precious opportunity for service.
   In this work, as in every other, skill is gained in the work itself. It is by training in the common duties of life and in ministry to the needy and suffering, that efficiency is assured. Without this the best-meant efforts are often useless and even harmful. It is in the water, not on the land, that men learn to swim. ED 268

COMMENTARY

Humblebees
   An Amazing Fact: Once called humblebees because of their good nature, bumblebees rarely have it in them to sting. But young children struggled to say humblebee, often resorting to "bumblebee." Because of the bumblebee's seemingly awkward movements, the adults adopted the new name.
   Bumblebees are among the few insects that can control their body temperature. In cold weather, queens and workers can shiver their flight muscles to warm themselves. Their large size and heat-conserving hairy coats also help them stay warm, allowing them to fly and work in colder climates and lower temperatures than most other insects.
   One day Jesus' disciples were busy arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Christ rebuked them gently and said, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority 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" (Luke 22:25, 26).
   Like the "humblebee," Christ measures true greatness by humility, not aggressiveness. The nature of a follower of Jesus is to be more like a good child - not busy working to be at the top, but simply living a life of service toward others. It seems impossible that a person could be great by being the least. It also seems impossible for the bumblebee, with their small wings and fat bodies, to fly. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from this simple little insect. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts]

Kingdom Greatness
   The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God's kingdom completely rejects the world's measure for esteem, giving the greatest honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.
   When Jesus and His disciples entered the upper room, the disciples looked for a prominent place to sit; Jesus looked for a place to serve. As they awkwardly waited to be served, Jesus took a towel and basin and washed their feet (John 13:1-15). We Christians like to refer to ourselves as servants, but we are seldom content to be treated as servants! We are tempted to adopt the world's evaluation of importance. But when we look to Jesus as our model, we see that it takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served.
   The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you. God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. If you struggle to be a servant, your heart may have shifted away from the heart of God. Ask Jesus to teach you selflessness and to give you the strength to follow His example. Watch for Jesus' invitation to join Him in serving others. It will come. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of The Sheep and Goats; The Final Judgment.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210524-1002.html

Matthew 20:26-28 - TRUE GREATNESS.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250706-0436.html

Mark 9:35 - The Paradox of Greatness.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080630-1941.html

Mark 10:43b - Servants Are The Greatest!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070301-0849.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/