What is the meaning of Luke 22:24? A dispute also arose • Luke sets the scene during the Last Supper, a sacred moment immediately following Jesus’ institution of Communion (Luke 22:19-20). • Even in holy settings, fleshly attitudes can surface; James warns, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder” (James 3:16). • Similar arguments had broken out earlier (Luke 9:46; Mark 9:34), showing the recurring struggle of self-promotion. • The accuracy of Scripture reminds us that God records human failures honestly, encouraging believers to guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23). among the disciples • These were men personally chosen by the Lord (Luke 6:13), yet still growing in maturity. • Their lapse proves that position alone does not guarantee humility; sanctification is ongoing (Philippians 1:6). • Paul later addresses the Corinthian church for similar party-spirit divisions (1 Corinthians 1:12-13), confirming that believers of every era face this temptation. • The moment underscores Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” as to which of them • Comparison is the soil in which pride thrives. Cain compared himself to Abel and sinned (Genesis 4:5-8); Saul compared himself to David and grew jealous (1 Samuel 18:7-9). • Jesus had just spoken of betrayal (Luke 22:21-23), yet self-interest eclipsed sober reflection. • Paul later counsels, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). should be considered the greatest • The phrase highlights a craving for recognition. Jesus immediately corrects their thinking: “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves” (Luke 22:26). • He points to His own example: “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). John records the visual lesson of foot-washing (John 13:14-15). • True greatness is redefined as humble service. Mark 10:45 adds, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • Believers today pursue greatness by embracing the towel, not the throne (1 Peter 5:5-6). summary Luke 22:24 exposes a heart-level battle between pride and humility, even among Christ’s closest followers. Scripture calls us to reject comparison, surrender personal ambition, and imitate the Servant-King who washed feet and bore the cross. Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by self-forgetting love. |
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