Luke 22:21-27
The Gospels record at least 3 different instances of the disciples arguing/discussing who would be the the greatest among them.
Relatively Early on in Jesus Ministry - Luke 9:46
Where James and John, along with their mother - ask Jesus for seats of honor on either side of Jesus in His kingdom - Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45
At the Last Supper in the upper room shortly before Christ goes to the Cross - Luke 22:24
Do you know what declaration preceded each of this arguments?
Jesus telling His disciples that he was going to suffer and die.
That’s right, look it up…before each of these unnecessary debates, Jesus said…I am going to die.
There is never a right time to have such a conversation debating who among us is going to be the greatest follower of Christ. However, surely one that follows a revelation as sobering as a Jesus being betrayed, suffering, and dying on a cross would be at the top of the list of poorest times to have such a conversation.
After each of these debates, Jesus rebuked them by talking about how we are to be different from the world.
here he specifically teaches them that in following him, we are to be the opposite of the rest of the world.
In the world the most important and greatest take the best seats and wait on others to serve them. But in following Christ we are to give up the seat of privilege and rank, and be the one sho serves. We are to be willing to take the lowest rank, not the highest.
Of course, we would never debate such things as who is the greatest and certainly would not have such a thought, much less a conversation in light of Jesus suffering and death.
Yet we as Christians argue over the most trivial and preferential things when it comes to church.
1. Style of music or worship - Praise team or choir, traditional hymns or praise music.
2. Worship times - what?!? You have an early service? Or you have service on Saturday? I can’t believe you don’t have an evening service on Sunday!
3. Bible Translation - I can’t believe you use/don’t use (insert your preferred translation here)
4. Dress Code/Standard - If we really want to be like Jesus, shouldn’t we all be wearing robes?
The world argues about such trivial matters, just tune into anything in politics if you have any doubts about.
Jesus said we are to be different. The world must not see us arguing and at each others throats. There are far more important ways that we are to spend out time.
The fields are white unto harvest. The time we have remaining on this earth is drawing to a close.
What will we do with the time we have left?
Argue about which of us is the greatest?
Argue about what style of worship or translation is best?
Or will we work to win people to Jesus?
There is only one right answer…let’s put aside our worldly-like bickering.
Let’s put aside our pride and our own preferences and opinions.
And work together, before it is too late.
In order to make a difference in this world, we must be different!
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