What Jesus Did! 'The Greatness of Our Lord' — Luke 22:24-27

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

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[At the Last Supper, after Jesus told the apostles one of them would betray him,] they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 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."
— Luke 22:24-27 NLT

Key Thought

You can usually tell the people who are considered to be most important. They are the ones who have others waiting on them and who can give orders to everyone else. That is not true in Jesus' Kingdom! Jesus reminded his disciples (including us today) that as the one true Master and Lord, he could order folks around. Instead, he chose to serve them and give his life for them — and us. Service to others is the definition of greatness in Jesus' Kingdom. Let's honestly ask ourselves how well we stack up on the greatness scale of our Master!

Today's Prayer

Righteous and merciful Father, I confess to you that I sometimes use the wrong criteria when evaluating the greatness of a person. My approach causes me to desire status, rank, and recognition rather than leading me to serve others without drawing attention to myself. Please forgive me and help me always to remember that service is your measure of greatness and should be mine also. Mold my heart by your Holy Spirit to serve others just as your Son has served and blessed me. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 5:1-4
  • John 13:12-17
  • Luke 9:48

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:24-27 NLT — "In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called 'friends of the people."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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