Most people would be too self-aware as adults to stand up in their family circle, workplace or church or any similar context and proclaim themselves the greatest. Muhammed Ali, the famous boxer was well-known for making such a claim, but few other people would get away with it for long. It is part of our culture to take issue with people having grossly important ideas about their own prominence and self-importance. We tend by nature to side with the underdog. Human nature, however, has not changed over the centuries and we tend to face the same kinds of issues in every generation, even if the cultural expression of them changes. Two thousand years ago the first followers of Jesus was not immune to these kinds of challenges. What happened and how did Jesus deal with it?
A dispute also 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 (Luke 22:24-27)
1. Selflessness overlooked (Luke 22:24-25) The context for Jesus’ teaching was of selflessness overlooked (Luke 22:24) A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. The underlying issue is that deep down we all want to be recognised and acknowledged for the good things we do and although the vast majority of us will not create a major fuss if this is not so, we will be disappointed. It has been quite revealing which countries have been willing to share scarce resources with others in need during the Covid-19 virus crisis and which thought only about their own needs. On a more basic level the sharing of other supplies during this crisis by people in the wider community has been most encouraging.
In tough times we often see the best and the worst of human nature and it is then that we can learn a lot about ourselves –and not always a perspective that we are comfortable with. The reality is some people who can do take advantage of others as Jesus highlighted in Luke 22:25. The challenge for us all is this – who is my role model? What are the standards by which I will live at this time? Our choices should not be determined by what ‘everyone-else’ is doing? Do I trust God enough that He will provide for me so that I will not live by fear of missing out on what is my ‘right’, instead trusting that if I live the right way He will honour me for that.
2. Selflessness exemplified (Luke 22:26-27) 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. In that culture priority and preference was age-related. The oldest people are the most important. The benefit of such a cultural assumption was that senior citizens were highly esteemed and taken care of by their families. However, Jesus wanted to convey the truth that we must not make assumptions about who was in need or who had something to offer in given situations. Someone other people thought had little to offer might surprise us by what they could do. Another person who appeared to be so talented or well-resourced might be unwilling to do what they could for others. It is not about our status but about our service. In case any of them didn’t get it –Jesus declared: But I am among you as one who serves (Luke 22:27b).
I have been so encouraged by the number of people in our city who have offered in different ways to help others at this difficult time. There are, for example, those who cannot go out who have made a point of phoning others to check on how they are doing? Others have assisted with shopping or obtaining medication or volunteering for the NHS or Food Banks, for example. There are so many things small or larger to be done.
Never forget each day to pray for ourselves and for other people. There is always plenty to be done so it is vital we don’t forget to pray about it! This week let us seek to fill those gaps and help one another through the tough times we are facing. The Covid-19 crisis still has a long way to go. A few weeks of restrictions so far feels much longer, but only by standing together and assisting those in need will we be following the example of Jesus.
Our hymn for reflection today is: From heaven You came (the Servant king)
Brian Talbot