The disciples did not understand servant leadership. Jesus had just told them that one of them would betray Him. This led to an argument about which was the greatest. Perhaps this happened because they were speculating over who would betray Him.
This was not the first time they had argued over this topic. Luke 9:46 Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. 48 Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” [1]
They had not learned from the first teaching, so Jesus must again teach them about the attitudes of their hearts. Jesus knew His time on earth was short and was trying to prepare His followers to continue without His physical presence. This argument revealed the disciples’ worldly attitudes. But Jesus used this evil as an opportunity for a lesson for both them and us.
View of Leadership Turned Upside Down
Jesus suggested that they were acting like the Gentile world. Like many today, the Roman rulers competed for honors and did all they could, legally and illegally, to win promotion and fame. Jesus had to correct the disciples’ attitude because they would be unable to accomplish their mission if they did not love and serve one another.
Luke 22:25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. [2]
Jesus, the Ultimate Servant
Jesus wasn’t kidding when He said He came as a servant. In less than twenty-four hours, He would die on the cross. There, He would be counted among the sinful rebels of this world even though He was sinless. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. [3]
The evil attempted to overcome Him by killing Him, but God turned it for good. 1 Peter 2:22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. [4]
As followers of Jesus, we are to imitate His model of servant leadership. There is no reason for competition to be the greatest in Christian circles. We are to serve one another and not vie for honors and recognition. As we serve one another, our lives should point to Jesus and His glory, not ours.
To learn more about servant leadership, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/counted-among-rebels
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.