24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. 28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:24-30 KJV)
Who Is the Greatest?
There was also strife among them over who was the greatest. While just before they were worried about who might betray Jesus, now they argued about who would hold the highest rank. That pride could exist alongside humility shows how deceitful and inconsistent the human heart can be.
Jesus responded gently. He showed them how unlike him such ambitions were. He pointed out how Gentile kings exercise authority and enjoy being called Benefactors (Luke 22:25). Though they may actually serve themselves, they want to be seen as serving others.
Jesus taught that doing good is more honorable than appearing great. If rulers value the title “Benefactor,” how much more should Christ’s disciples value actual service. Their greatness would be in doing good by spreading the gospel.
He said, “You shall not be so” (Luke 22:26-27). Christ’s followers were not to rule like worldly leaders but to serve. He gave the example of himself: “I am among you as one who serves.” He didn’t expect others to serve him but was ready to serve them, even washing their feet. His disciples should follow his example and be humble.
He reminded them that he had greater honors in store for them than any earthly status (Luke 22:28-30). He praised them for remaining with him during his trials: “You are those who have continued with me in my trials.” Though they had many weaknesses, he commended their loyalty and overlooked their faults.
He promised them a kingdom, like the one the Father gave him. “That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” They would share in his joy and authority—this is the honor awaiting them.