Tuesday 7 January, 2020

24 A dispute also 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. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

In this chapter we have the narrative of Passover preparation, Jesus participating in the Passover meal & then a seeming oddly placed self-centred dispute amoung the disciples.

Luke doesn’t record it, but elsewhere in the gospels this is where Jesus washes the disciples feet. Jesus is teaching & demonstrating servanthood. In this age of self gratification, self promotion, life is all about me, Jesus demonstrates the better way to live & lead. We are to be one who serves another, preferring each other, a much needed personal attribute today.

This is a brilliant reminder to me that I can also be just as self-serving & absorbed, even in the midst of significant moments where the focus is on others.

Lord Jesus, please help my selfishness, that my focus would be less on me & more to serve those you have brought around me. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson