Luke 22:23–38 (NIV)
23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. 24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 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.
28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” he replied.
Read the Passage
Who is in the passage?
What action verbs do you see?
What other words stick out in your mind
Questions
Why are the disciples wanting to know who is the greatest? How do you think this made Jesus feel? What is the leadership style Jesus asks the disciples and us to follow?
In Jesus’ prayer for Peter what do we learn about Jesus, about Peter, about forgiveness?
What type of battle is Jesus talking about being prepared for in verses 35-38? Are you prepared?
Notes
Transfer of Earthly Leadership and Transfer of Earthly Attack. Jesus is preparing the disciples for His leaving and for the battle they now enter as leaders.
Jesus has been the focus of Satan. But that is changing. First with Judas and now with Peter. Jesus' words of leadership are to help them be best prepared for the spiritual attack they will face. (vs 35-38)
The Jewish Leaders have fallen into Satan's trap and have become Satan's vehicle to kill Jesus and even worse lead people away from God (11:52). They lead as those who are not God followers. For these, leadership is about power and prestige (10:8-11) and not about loving people (Who is my neighbor? 10:29-ff). Jesus says FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE as a servant (vs 27) and be prepared for the spiritual battles that await you. (vs 35-38)
vs 23-27- The question of who will betray Jesus quickly leads to which is the greatest of the disciples. The question goes from who is the worst disciple (the betrayer) to who is the greatest disciple. It must have been hard for Jesus to hear such talk after trying to get them to see that greatness isn't measured the way the world does it.
Throughout Jesus' ministry he has tried to get the point across (9:48, 14:11, 14:13-14, 21:3-4, 9:24 just to name a few)
The temptation for the disciple leaders is to follow the example of the current Jewish leaders and fail. But Jesus is giving them a new way to lead. (really not new, Moses lead this way) Care for the people! Serve them just as I (Jesus) have served you. This way is the opposite of the world system where Kings and the rich get to lead. You get to lead based on how well you serve! (Remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
16:20-ff) There is a reversal of kingdoms coming. Make sure you lead in a way that is the style of leadership in Jesus' kingdom.
vs 28-30- Jesus isn't upset that they bring the question of greatness up. In fact He reminds them that they already have lived this way. They have given up a lot to follow Him (18:28-30) and they have not left him (though they will for a short time when He is arrested) in spite of the persecution Jesus faced with the Jewish leaders. There will be a great reward for leading the way Jesus asks them to lead. The Kingdom God gives to Jesus because He is faithful to God the Father is the Kingdom Jesus will share with His disciples. And the faithful Disciples will be given authority judging Israel.
vs 31-33- The attack has started from Satan to the disciples. It is almost as if Jesus protected them from the attack before. However what is more likely is Satan was trying to throw Jesus off His message and purpose. But now Satan begins to shift his energies to destroying what will be left on earth after Jesus leaves. Jesus warns Peter, the leader of the disciples, of the attack that is to be waged on him. Several things are interesting to note. First Jesus Prays for Peter, for him to stand up to the attack. (do we pray for people to keep their faith when they are attacked by sin?) Second, Jesus knows Peter will sin. Yet He doesn't allow that fact from forgiving Peter and still using Peter. And thirdly, after turning back, the role of Peter is to serve the others by strengthening them. We are still useable by God even when we sin. Forgiveness brings restoration and still the opportunity to serve!
vs 33-34 Peter in his flaw of invincibility, cannot see the temptation in front of him. No way could he ever deny Jesus. (what is ironic is that while he fails this time he does indeed go to prison and die for Jesus later in his life)
vs 35-38- Jesus reminds the disciples of their mission trip to tell about Jesus (9:2-3, 10:3-4). It was a show of faith that they depended on their needs to be supplied by God. Now however is a different time. Now they must do everything you can to prepare for the journey Jesus sends them on. They will face a spiritual battle where they will need all of their faith and gifts to face the battle. The disciples don't get that Jesus is talking about a spiritual battle they think that He is talking about a battle they will face with Jewish leaders and Rome. That is not what Jesus is talking about. (See 22:49-51) Jesus has simply turned the conversation with Peter to a group conversation about being prepared for the attack that Satan will wage on you when Jesus has completed His mission on earth and their mission begins. Be prepared with the things that God gives you. Your faith is your biggest weapon (see vs 32). Use what God gives you well!
No comments:
Post a Comment