Greatness in the Kingdom of God

“Great”

Think of a time when you were a part of something great. A great group, a great team. What made it great? What made it stand out, was it a great leader? was it because of their position or because of their actions? Why do we tend to equate greatness with power, success, or recognition?

Purpose of this passage that is set during the Last Supper is that Jesus is setting the stage for teaching on servant leadership and contrasts wordly greatness with kingdom greatness. Jesus redefines greatness in a way that is radically different from the world’s definition.

Big Idea: True greatness is experienced through humble service, that follows Christ’s example of love and sacrifice for humanity.

Summary: The disciples are arguing among themselves about who among them is the greatest and Jesus challenges their understanding of greatness by emphasizing servanthood and humility, demonstrating that true greatness in God’s kingdom is defined by one’s willingness to serve others.

Simple application: This message can help encourage us to embrace a lifestyle of service amidst a culture that values power and status, prompting them to seek significance through humility and love.

Our study passage

Luke 22:24–25 NASB95

24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

Luke 22:26–27 NASB95

26 “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27 “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Luke 22:28–29 NASB95

28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you

Luke 22:30–31 NASB95

30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;

Luke 22:32–33 NASB95

32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”

Luke 22:34–35 NASB95

34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” 35 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.”

Luke 22:36–37 NASB95

36 And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. 37 “For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.”

Luke 22:38 NASB95

38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”

Is there anything that stands out to you in this passage?

How does Jesus contrast worldly leadership with kingdom leadership (vv.25-26)?

The leader like the servant

Who does Jesus point to as the greatest, excluding Himself (v.27)?

The greatest is the one who serves

What does Jesus promise His disciples because of their endurance (vv.28-30)?

That you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones

What spiritual battle is Peter going to face (vv.31-32)?

That Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat; yet Jesus prayed that his faith not tail him and he would turn and strengthen his brothers

What is Peter going to do (v.34)?

Deny Christ three times

What change in circumstances does Jesus highlight in (vv.35-36)?

They took nothing the first time, this time they are to take things, implements of war.

Dispute about greatness

Luke 22:24–27 “24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27 “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Misguided arguments about greatness

The Dispute: The Disciples argue about who is the greatest

Jesus’ Correction: Worldly leaders dominate; kingdom leaders serve

Key statement: “I am among you as the one who serves.” (v.27)

Key truth: Greatness is not measured by who serves you, but by whom you serve.

Jesus redefines greatness through servanthood. Jesus calls people to serve as He did, challenging the cultural norms of His time. May we be a people today that find fulfillment and significance in serving others as Jesus did.

Promise of Reward

Luke 22:28–30 “28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

The Kingdom Promise and the Role of the disciples

Their faithfulness noted: They remained with Jesus through all the trials whereas many abandoned Him.

Future reward: A kingdom a table, and authority to judge Israel

Encouragement: Present service prepares disciples for future glory

Key truth: Kingdom rewards are connected to faithful endurance and humble service

Jesus acknowledging the disciples’ faithfulness and His promises of a future reward for their service. This points out the assurance we have as faithful followers, servants of Jesus that will not be overlooked but honored by God, so stay faithful and true to the end!

Sifted yet strengthened

Luke 22:31–34 “31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.””

Peter’s Testing

Satan’s attack: Peter will be tested, but Jesus intercedes

Human confidence vs. Weakness: Peter insisters He is read; Jesus foretells his denial

Key truth: Confidence in self leads to failure; confidence in Christ leads to victory.

Even servant leaders are vulnerable. Peter is an example here, though Peter was confident in himself, Christ interceded for him. We need to be people who rely on Christ’s strength and not our own strength and understanding, our failures do not define us, but they are opportunities to grow as we know Peter’s was.

Preparation for mission

Luke 22:35–38 “35 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” 36 And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. 37 “For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.””

Prepared Paradox: Equipped for Service:

Shift from provision to persecution

Times are changing; disciples must be ready for opposition

Dependence on Christ in coming challenges

Key truth: just like the one before Confidence in self will lead to failure; confidence and reliance in Christ will lead to victory.

Preparation for the upcoming challenges they were going to face was important. Preparation for the spiritual battles we face is important.

Applications

Servant Leadership: True greatness is serving others, not seeking recognition.

Dependance on Christ: Trials are inevitable, but Jesus intercedes for us and strengthens us.

Faithfulness in Mission: The call to follow Christ involves being ready for hardship, but also assurance of His presence always with us.

Encouragement through failure: Like Peter, our failures do not disqualify us — Christ restores and uses us.

Drawing a conclusion

Jesus take on greatness is not about authority, recognition or personal accomplishment. True greatness is found in humility, service, faithfulness, and readiness for spiritual conflict.

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Major takeaway: Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by how high we climb, but by how deeply we serve, how faithfully we endure, and how fully we depend on Christ.

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