Serve

Luke 22:24-33 (The Message)

24-26 Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest.

But Jesus intervened: "Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles.

It's not going to be that way with you.

Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.

27-30 "Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You'd rather eat and be served, right?

But I've taken my place among you as the one who serves.

And you've stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God's people.

31-32 "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.

When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."

33 Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!"

So here we are, right where we left off. The argument: who is greatest?

Jesus never loses a teachable moment. When this moment presents itself, Jesus imparts a lesson on real authority that has stood the test of time.

Earthly kings "Lord" their authority over their subjects. But "the Lord," Jesus, comes among us as a servant.

Why?

There are lots of reasons, perhaps. Maybe it's just the very nature of God.

But according to this scripture, it seems that Jesus has a very specific intent in mind.

He wants to build up his disciples. He wants to strengthen them, and us as well. He gives us a seat at the royal table, so that we can be "strengthened as we take up authority among the congregations of God's people."

He serves his disciples, and strengthens us, so that we can serve and strengthen others.

Consider this passage as the beginning of a great chain of strength and encouragement. It has bene passed from Jesus to believer to believer, throughout the centuries.

Perhaps someone has served and strengthened you, even today.

Who could Jesus be calling us to serve tomorrow?

Prayer: Father we pray that we would choose a seat at your banquet table. May we be strengthened through time spent in relationship with you. Through the Holy Spirit, may we walk in the grace of Christ and serve others in his name.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.