The promise…

Of the Spirit (part 13) 

Jesus is preparing the scene beautifully for why we need the Holy Spirit. First, he exposes his disciples’ selfishness by washing their feet when none of them had thought of doing it. And he did it soon after they’d been posturing and strutting among themselves too, “as to which of them was considered to be the greatest,” Luke 22:24. 

In verse 25 he then exposed the typical attitude of those in leadership positions in society: “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over people, and those who exercise authority call themselves ‘Benefactors.’” What they really want is power and prestige, but they cloak it in promises of prosperity and safety that make themselves sound and look good. And for us gullible, desperate, self-centred minions, that’s all we need to hear to vote them in. It’s a horrible, pointless game we all play, and it never changes. 

So Jesus faced his disciples with the ultimate challenge in verse 26, that “you are not to be like that.” My disciples don’t seek power and prestige, or to lord it over people. And they’re not into seeking office for themselves by charm and psychologically soothing claptrap either. “Instead,” Jesus continues in verse 26, “the greatest among you should be like the youngest (looking up to others, not down on them), and the one who rules like the one who serves.” 

And then he asks a very pointed question as they all sat there at the table waiting to eat. “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table?” Just like in a restaurant being served by waiters. “But I am among you as one who serves,” verse 27. Jesus is the waiter. So imagine going to a restaurant and telling the waiter, “No, you don’t need to serve me; you sit down and I’ll serve you.”    

And then in verse 29 Jesus says something really astounding: “I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me.” This is what you’re my disciples for, you’re in training to be royalty in a kingdom that God gives you, just as the Father sets me (Jesus) up with a kingdom too. 

And to whom does he give a kingdom? To those like Jesus who live “to serve, not to be served.” So what was Peter to make of that?…(more on this tomorrow)