Betrayal and Greatness, Luke 22:21-30

This post concerns Judas’ betrayal and an argument by the disciples about greatness at the last Supper.

Jesus spoke about Judas’ plans, Luke 22:21-23. “… the hand of him who betrays me… with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.” This statement shows the omniscience of Jesus. He knew about Judas.

This questioning caused the disciples to argue as to would be the greatest, Luke 22:24. “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was …the greatest.”

So, Jesus responded, Luke 22:25-27. “And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who…greater one who reclines at table or one who serves? … it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Jesus responded that kings strive for greatness. But a servant, like Jesus, shows himself to be far greater.

Then, Jesus explains His kingdom, Luke 22:28-30. “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

In these verses, Jesus indicates the role of the twelve in His kingdom, the church. The apostle would have a role in preaching, teaching, and inspired writings that would comprise their role in guiding Jesus’ kingdom.

So, what did we learn?

1.As Deity, Jesus knew which one of the apostles would betray Him.

2.When the apostles argued about greatness, Jesus explained that service marked those who were greatest.

3.Jesus forecasted the key roles of service the apostles would have in His kingdom, the church.

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#greatnessMeansService #apostlesGuideJesus’Kingdom