Luke 22:24-30 – Service
Even the best of men can struggle with pride and a desire to be noticed. We see that among the disciples. Christ has rebuked them for this in the past, but here towards the end of His time with them, it reappears. Thousands of Christians think they are humble but struggle with envy and jealousy when someone else is given something they are not. We must guard against our pride, and learn to be happy when others do well, and to be content wherever our Lord has placed us.
Christ tells the disciples that the world’s standard of greatness is not His. He considers a willingness to serve God to be true greatness. A humble readiness to do anything, and put our hands to any good work for Christ and His Kingdom, the Church, – a cheerful willingness to fill any post, however small, and do any job, however unpleasant, – these are the true tests of Christian greatness. The hero in Christ’s army is not the man with rank, title, honour, wealth, and great resources. It is the man who looks not on his own things, but the things of others. It is the man who is kind to all, tender to all, thoughtful for all, with a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all. It is a man who through serving others is serving Christ, and through loving others is loving God.
The disciples have made a lot of mistakes over the last three years; they have been faithless, weak, and argumentative – even up to these last few days. And in a few hours they are all going to forsake Christ. Jesus knows this, but in His love he dwells on one good point in their behaviour and praises them for not deserting Him. Take comfort in the fact that if you are a Christian, Christ always notices your small graces more than your great sins and loves you.
Questions
- How can we guard against pride?
- What is Christ’s standard of greatness?
Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for Christ’s tender love towards His people.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.