Table Talk – Glimpses into the Conversations and Teachings of Jesus during the Last Supper
In this fourth lesson we encounter a moment that challenges our understanding of leadership and greatness. Despite the rich lessons of service and sacrifice already shared, a question arises among the disciples that seems startlingly out of place: Who among them would be considered the greatest? This dispute, emerging in the shadow of the ultimate act of service and love, presents a pivotal teaching moment.
4. Weren’t they listening?
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24 ESV).
Alright … context.
Preceding this dispute, the disciples had witnessed and received Jesus washing their feet (See John 13:1-17). And here was the teaching that followed the foot washing:
“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (13:13-15 ESV).
Next Christ speaks of the betrayal. And here was a lot of soul searching by the disciples as they asked, “Surely not I Lord?” (Matthew 26:20-25 NASB).
Then they are offered an introduction to the New Covenant (See Luke 22:14-20).
And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20 ESV).
Maybe the disciples are finally getting it that Christ was going to die—for them!
To recap:
- Christ washing their feet.
- Serve like He serves.
- Christ will be betrayed.
- Christ will die for them.
In the context of the book of Luke, what specifically preceded this dispute about who was the greatest were these two radically opposed verses:
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table” (Luke 22:20-21 ESV).
One verse institutes a unifying commemoration and celebration between Christ and His Church, lasting until Christ returns. The other shatters the connection between Christ and His disciples.
And still they had time to debate who was the greatest. Somehow, they missed that the One they followed was the greatest of all, for all time.
Despite the topic and the timing, Christ shows His patience for His disciples, because He turned this dispute which was all about them into a teaching moment.
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 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. 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. You have stayed with me in my time of trial. And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:25-30 NLT).
Jesus makes it clear you will not find an example of servant in government. The only example –indeed the “Greatest” example of is Christ, the One who sits at the table. He goes on to say they will eat and drink at His table in His Kingdom, and even have thrones. But now … you serve.
One Thing: MAKE CHRIST YOUR EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY AND SERVICE (Philippians 2:5-7)
Click here to go to the next lesson. The previous lesson is here.
