What attitudes should we adopt to avoid disputes like in Luke 22:24? The Moment at the Table “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.” (Luke 22:24) Even in the shadow of the cross, personal ambition surfaced. Jesus had just instituted the Lord’s Supper, yet the disciples’ focus drifted to rank and recognition. Christ’s gentle but firm correction (Luke 22:25-27) shows the attitudes that keep rivalry from taking root. Attitudes That Shut the Door on Disputes • Humility that values others above self – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) – Pride inflates differences; humility deflates them. • Servant-heartedness over status-seeking – “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves.” (Luke 22:26) – Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by towel and basin, not titles and applause. • Contentment with God’s assignments – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) – When the heart rests in God’s placement, it stops competing for something else. • Mutual honor and submission – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ ” (1 Peter 5:5) – A team flourishes when each member delights in another’s success. • Peacemaking as a lifestyle – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) – Proactive bridge-building prevents conflicts from igniting. • Love that guards the tongue – “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) – Words bathed in love diffuse tension before it escalates. • Eyes fixed on Christ’s example – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) – The more we gaze at His self-giving sacrifice, the smaller self-promotion appears. Practical Steps for Daily Living 1. Begin each day acknowledging Christ’s lordship; remember that all greatness comes from Him. 2. Look for quiet ways to serve someone unnoticed: a simple act of help, a word of encouragement. 3. Celebrate another believer’s achievement this week without mentioning your own. 4. Keep short accounts—confess jealousy or pride immediately (1 John 1:9). 5. End the day thanking God for specific blessings He gave others; it trains the heart to rejoice rather than compare. The Promise That Motivates “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials. And I bestow on you a kingdom…” (Luke 22:28-29) Jesus anchors humble service to future honor from His own hand. When He esteems us, human rankings lose their charm. Living for that “well done” silences the disputes that once seemed so important. |
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