Luke 22:24–30

Be still: Jesus, thank you that you are with me and that you have made your home in me. You couldn’t be any closer. And yet, I want to know you more. I want to understand who you are and your love at a deeper level today. Amen

Read: Luke 22:24–30

Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 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. (v25-26)

Encounter: World leaders have always been desperate to consolidate their power to control and subdue others, whether it’s a Roman Emperor or someone in the White House. As the historian and politician Lord Acton said, ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ Power often goes to the heads of those who wield it. The dangers of power can make us hesitant to use it when we have it. But Jesus is not critical of power; he’s critical of how it's used.

Shortly before the disciples' argument about superiority, Jesus walked them through the Passover meal. The disciples know this meal like the backs of their hands but now there's a twist. Jesus explains that, instead of a lamb, it will be his blood and his body given up as the Passover sacrifice. It’s hard for us to imagine how mind-blowing this would have been for the disciples — God, in the person of Jesus, is explaining that he will give up his life for the sins of the world. This wasn’t the kind of power that the disciples were used to seeing. True power, Jesus explains, is demonstrated through self-sacrifice. 

Jesus’ power, which is power used rightly, was demonstrated by placing himself as a servant, at the feet of others. When we exercise power like this, it shows we are free. Those who are desperate to consolidate and maintain their power are enslaved by it. Those who place themselves at the feet of others are free, truly free.

Apply: Jesus’ invitation to his disciples, and to us, is to exercise power by releasing it in the service of others. Doesn’t sound so appealing, does it? Especially in a culture where most of us are desperate to use our little power to elevate ourselves. 

Where is God inviting me to become the least and to let go of whatever power I have in the service of those around me?

Devote: Lord, help me today to use the small amount of power that you have entrusted to me to raise others up, not myself.