August 12 Conflict

Luke 22:24-27 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 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.”
 
THERE they are. The Son of God sits with his twelve closest disciples. He tells them of his upcoming suffering and betrayal. The Twelve discuss who the betrayer might be. It seems, though, the Last Supper’s sacrifice focus wore thin. Suddenly, Jesus’ most intimate students wanted to talk about their future kingdom positions.
    Odd, isn’t it? What prompts us to quickly turn from concern for others? What moves us so urgently to our own desires? I’m often struck in a gathering of people how easily we talk of ourselves and how difficult it is for us to listen. Whether in a meeting, a table gathering, a social event, a Bible study or any other gathering, we have little time for others’ words, don’t we?
    Even as we are quiet, we don’t listen. Instead, we form our own opinions and viewpoints, ready to interrupt and speak our piece. We love our own thoughts. Surely they are the truth! Definitely, those are the ideas and points the others must know! Our position in the group depends on our ability to talk and persuade. We look for others’ attention and affirmation.
    The disciples quickly forgot Jesus’ words “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Their future focus is on future greatness, not on Jesus’ suffering for their future service. Indeed, they would be great one day. But in a way much different than they envisioned.
    Jesus breaks into their thoughts to break down their self-desires. When he compares their thoughts to Gentile kings, he is speaking deeply into their cultural bias. Abruptly, their minds would go from, “Am I not worthy of the best position?” to “How could I be as a Gentile?” Their minds’ eyes would see Rome’s dominate rulers such as Pontius Pilate. They would look at the Roman puppet Herod, who beheaded John the Baptist. Their thoughts would likely go to Gentile kings whose iron fists and hearts had ruled Israel for centuries with and no regard for Israel’s God. Jesus knew how to set off a wakeup alarm into his disciples’ minds.
    Then he masterfully guides them into true greatness. They are not to rule but to serve. They are not to receive but to give. They are not to be the guest but to treat others as their guests at the table. They are to model their Master, who has just served them.
    Jesus is a most humble servant King. He reigns above because he served below. He will come in power because he empowered the weak, the sick, the dispossessed and even the sinners. Live as Jesus lived. Humbly seek to be a true servant of the King and his kingdom.
 
Prayer: I pray I live to serve your people, Jesus. Grant my heart and mind more gentleness, love and compassion. Amen.