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Luke 22:24-34 - To the greatest and the least

Luke 22:24-34

[24] A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. [25] And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. [26] But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. [27] For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

[28] “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, [29] and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, [30] that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

[31] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” [33] Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” [34] Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (ESV)

Jesus tells His disciples the truth of greatness - that it is not about the measure of which it is regarded to them in the world. Greatness is found in the servitude of Christ, and in our servitude of others as well.

To Simon, often Jesus' most memorable disciple, Jesus tells him that he will fail. But Jesus also tells him that after he has turned from his failure, to strengthen his brothers. Such an example of one who is both greatest and least I think.

To me, it seems like Jesus assigns His disciples a kingdom to serve (just as He served His kingdom), and to judge at the end of time. This is similarly our duty - to serve our fellow man now, and to inherit as co-heirs with Christ at the end of time (perhaps not be judges? Not sure about this part, gotta do more reading).

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