Luke 22:27

Luke 22:27 – For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

        Jesus asks His disciples what seems like an easy question, “Who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves?” In society you always have your ‘important’ people at the table and the servants wait on them. Jesus asked the question knowing full well what their answer would be. He even goes so far as to answer it with another question, “Is it not the one who is at the table?”

        I’m sure now the disciples are nodding their heads in agreement, as I’m sure we would be also if we didn't know better. Now Jesus makes a comment that defies all they had been taught all their lives. He doesn't really answer the question, but instead challenges their way of thinking. Jesus puts Himself in the place of the servant. “But I am among you as one who serves,” He said.

        So what does that mean? Either Jesus is saying that those He is serving are greater than Him, or that the servant is greater than the one He serves. We know the former cannot be true because the Bible says that God lifted Jesus to the highest place and that His name is above all names.

        In the Word of God we also see Jesus telling us that the ‘first will be last and the last will be first.’ So we know that just because something is done one way on earth doesn't mean that it will be the same in heaven, in fact often times it seems it will be opposite.

        What can we take from this? To lead you must serve. We must follow Jesus example and help those around us. Influence people by serving them and taking care of their needs. That is what Jesus did and that is what we must do also.

Luke 22:27-29

Luke 22:27-29 - For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred on me.

This passage begins with Jesus talking to His disciples about serving. He asks the question, “Who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves?” I can see Him pausing for a moment here, to let them ponder His question. When no one answers Jesus proceeds with another question, “Is it not the one who is at the table?” At this I point I’m sure the disciples were agreeing with Him, “Yeah, that’s right Jesus, the one who is at the table is greater.” Whether they said it out loud or not, they had to be thinking it, because that is our culture. It was back then and it still is today, the servant serves the “important” people. 

Now Jesus’ next statement is a mind blower. He doesn’t actually answer the question. “But I am among you as one who serves.” “Wait a minute Jesus! You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are the Son of God and Saviour of the world. What are you saying?” I could see myself saying this if I were there. Jesus had been serving them since He first met them, but they never really thought about it before now. They always viewed Him as being the Teacher and their leader, not as their servant, but now Jesus just opened their eyes to the Truth. It was obvious to them that Jesus was greater than them, He was (and is) the Son of God, but now they see the position He put Himself in. This is what the apostle Paul is talking about in his letters when he says, “Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus was the ultimate servant, not only serving us, but then also giving up His life for us. Now Jesus recognizes His disciples as they have stood beside Him, not only in the good times, but through the trials as well. I think He is telling them that He trusts them. They’ve shown themselves trustworthy and they will not run away when times get hard. In the next line Jesus tells them that He is giving the responsibility of the kingdom of heaven to them. He says, “I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred on me.” Confer means to “grant or bestow” (as in a title, degree, benefit, or right). Before Jesus gave them this responsibility He wanted to make sure they understood what it meant and we also need to understand.

Jesus also passed on this responsibility to us, as children of God. We are to bring the kingdom to earth just as Jesus did. As we look at the beginning of this passage we realize that the kingdom comes through serving. We will need to preach and speak the words of God as well, but without serving our life and ministry will never be successful. So, live as Jesus did and become a servant to those around you. It does not matter who is most important, turn the tables, blow peoples minds, and bring God’s kingdom to earth through serving those around you!!.