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

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

[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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

13 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Heart and Soul of Success
Article by Phil Ware
An appreciation for those in the trenches ... While in the world the folks who are the secret to success don't get noticed, God notices the servants among us and so must we.
The Jesus Vibe: Servant
Article by Phil Ware
So who wants to go get a towel and a water basin? Phil Ware reminds us that the Jesus vibe is about being a servant and helping others, but he also reminds us that there are powerful memories in the Lord's Supper to help remind us of this thought.
More than a Fork in the Road
Article by Phil Ware
How our simply service makes a difference in everything! Phil Ware reminds us of an old story describing heaven and hell and how the difference between the two is whether or not people serve each other.
Servant!
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus recalibrated greatness and changed it from being fame and notoriety to kneeling and using a basin and towel. Phil Ware reminds us that the Jesus vibe is about being a servant and helping others, but he also reminds us that there are powerful memories in the Lord's Supper to help remind us of this thought.
See All 13 Related Resources about Luke 22:24-27

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: John 10:27
"We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for he has a right to lead us wherever he pleases. We are not our own, we...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Under the Influence' (Ep. 5:18)
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Protects the Innocent and Loyal People'
"Only the Lord gives wisdom; he gives knowledge and understanding. He stores up wisdom for those who are honest. Like a shield he protects the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Better Things' (He. 5:11-6:4,)
"Dear Father, I am eager to be a good learner. I want to get beyond needing milk meant for babies. I want to digest the solid food of your word. I..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!