L U K E  22 V 24-30

This passage opens ,with  Jesus finding His Apostles arguing as to who is the greatest. This, was a deciding factor before a Jewish Feast seating places, Jesus told them sharply that the standard of the world, were mot the standard of His Kingdom,  A king in the world was considered by the power he exercised, but Jesus said it is not the king but the servant who gets the best in the Kingdom.

The business world tends to agree with Jesus, as it is often seen signs on a road with the words ‘service station’ They will agree to do all that is necessary to attend to a car however dirty the job is in order to get the fee,  We also see trouble, in the Church, regarding precedence of people’s places.  The world needs and recognizes good services.

It is only the man who consents to serve more than anyone else ,who will be appreciated.  Some workers will leave their workplace as soon as possible, no matter what needs finishing, leaving other workers to stay on until all is done.  Usually the manager or an executive who stays.  It is a law of life, that service leads to greatness, and the higher a man rises the greater servant he is.

Our life is either getting or giving, but if we concentrate on getting, we lose the friendship of man and the reward of God, for no one ever liked a man who always looks after himself.

Jesus finished his warning with the Apostles with a promise. The Apostles who stood by Him in all situations, would in the end reign with Him. God will not be in anyone’s debt.  Those who shared in the bearing of the Cross, will in the end share in the wearing of a crown  This shows how firmly pride and self-esteem can be at the hearts of good people.

The strife was rebuked by Jesus, the action of the Apostles was unseemly.  This last meeting with Jesus was just about who was greatest, showed a lack of respect.

The sin is an old one, ambition coupled with self-esteem, and lies deep in some hearts, often when least expected.  Many people consider themselves humble, and cannot bear to see an equal get more honored and favored than themselves.

There is a call to live on watch against such action, if one is professing to be a follower of Christ. We have to be content on the rule given to the Philippians, ‘in lowliness of mind, let each esteem of others be better than ourselves’ Jesus said of John the Baptist, as a bright instance of the spirit at which we should all aim.  John said of Jesus, He must increase as I must decrease.

We read of the account which Jesus gave of true Christian greatness. He told the Apostles that the worldly standard of greatness was the exercise of authority.

We see the gracious commendation of the Apostles.  Jesus said they who have continued with me in my temptations.

We know the weakness of the Lord’s Apostles during the period of His Ministry.  He knew that in a few hours they were all going to forsake Him.  But He dwelled on their god points, being faithful despite all the faults.

If we are true believers let us know that He looks at our graces, more than our faults, that He pities our weakness, and that He will not add with us according to our sin. Never had servants has such a compassionate and kinder Master as Christ.

Lastly, see what a glorious promise our Lord holds out to faithful disciples, Whatever others do, let us cleave to Him with a faithful heart,  Happy are they who can truthfully say, Lord Thou knowest that I love Thee.

Jesus said to the Apostles, I point unto you a Kingdom my Father appointed to me`

These are the last few words of Jesus,  In a few hours His Ministry would be over, He ends with good things.

We leave this passage with the cheering thought, that the ways which Christ will give to His believing people will be out of proportion to anything people have done fr Him,  Their least desires to do good will be rewarded, their efforts ti glorify Him will be recorded in His book of remembrance.