And the Greatest Is . . .

There is a story that is a few years old that I wanted to share with you that shows how confused people can become without knowing the big picture.

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home.

As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.

"You know" he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?"

The driver said, "No problem. Have at it."

Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway.

A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone.

The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law...But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person."

The supervisor asked, "Is it the Governor?"

The young trooper said, "No, he's more important than that."

The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the President."

The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that."

The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?"

The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

Today, we’ll be looking at a portion of Scripture where there were egos out of control, forgetfulness about promises, well-intentioned and impossible commitments, and an assignment that was a bit confusing. Sounds a little like some of our lives at times, maybe just this past week. Sometimes, we find ourselves trying to prove how valuable we are; sometimes, we don’t remember that God has made promises to us that He will keep and we don’t have to earn them; sometimes, we make promises to God or others that we can’t keep unless He enables us to be able to do so; and sometimes, we know what needs to be done, but we get confused about the process.

Well, this passage describes these sorts of things. However, it won’t solve all your challenges. But there is a principle that I want you to hold onto in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Our lives must reflect God’s Kingdom and not this world’s kingdom, while proclaiming Jesus to the world.

The Greatest - 22:24-27

Luke 22:24–27 NASB95

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

Just following the previous discussion as to who among the disciples might be the one who would betray Jesus, we run into this strange situation. The discussion centers on who is the greatest of the group. When you think about what has gone on so far in the evening, this makes no sense. Earlier, according to , Jesus had shown the perfect example of humble service as He had washed the disciples’ feet. He had spoken about what was ahead in the next 24 hours, in particular His own suffering and ultimately His death.

Maybe it was a desperate attempt to show Jesus how much they each loved Him and were loyal to Him. Maybe each one was trying to convince Jesus that it could not possibly be them who would betray Him. Sadly, their behavior at this point looks like what people would do with their focus only on this world and appearances, rather than behavior that reflects that they don’t belong to this world, but of God’s kingdom.

As we look at this, we can see the hypocrisy of many who would consider themselves the greatest. In verse 25, Jesus makes it clear that those who lord it over others because they think they’re better or more equipped to do what’s best for others, paint a picture of themselves as being altruistic. In other words, they present themselves as having only the best interests of their subordinates at heart. Think about how many politicians and world leaders present themselves to their people as watching out for their good, while lining their own pockets and homes with the result of the hard labor and work of the citizenry.

Jesus goes on in verse 26 to remind them that this worldly manner of leading is not the way it should be among them. Christians should not behave like the world would. Instead of competing for top position, become a servant. Defer to others in life. Be like the youngest person, where, in that culture, honor was given to the oldest. It is as this point in John’s gospel where we see Jesus presenting the real life object lesson of washing the disciples’ feet. My friends, we are not to act like the world, exerting power and authority. We belong to another kingdom which exercises servanthood and genuine leadership.

In fact, verse 27 shows the ultimate example and how we often get things confused. It would seem obvious that the one who is reclining at the table being served by someone else is greater than the one doing the serving. And yet, Jesus points to Himself when He says, I am among you as the one who serves.

This story has been told by several over the years:

John A. Broadus was one of the founders, professors, and later president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In those days it was customary for guests to place their shoes outside their bedroom door at night to be picked up and polished by a servant. For several nights a guest in Broadus’ home who followed this custom never failed to find his shoes freshly polished each morning. Finally one night, when he heard someone come for the shoes outside the door, the guest decided to thank the servant for his p 238 services. When he opened the door a man was stooping over to pick up the shoes. The guest discovered that the servant was none other than Doctor Broadus himself! The great man had caught the spirit of Christ and had become as one who serves.

Our lives must reflect God’s Kingdom and not this world’s kingdom, while proclaiming Jesus to the world. We ought not be promoting ourselves, in an effort to prove our value. Again, we ought to live with the attitude that we are servants or slaves, looking for opportunities to serve and bless others.

As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.

"You know" he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?"

The driver said, "No problem. Have at it."

Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway.

A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone.

The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law...But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person."

The supervisor asked, "Is it the Governor?"

The young trooper said, "No, he's more important than that."

The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the President."

The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that."

The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?"

The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

The Guarantee - 22:28-30

Luke 22:28–30 NASB95

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

After they were trying to best each other and show their worthiness, Jesus speaks. It almost seems as if Jesus is offering them some encouragement and comfort, even though it could come across as a bit of a rebuke. After all, how many times has Jesus informed them of their future reward? He reminds them that for those who have indeed stood by Him, they are going to be blessed and receive a reward. It really shouldn’t matter who is the greatest according to this world’s standards.

We know from that the apostles, including the upcoming appointment of Matthias, will be the honored guests who will be seated at the table of Jesus Christ when the millennial rule takes place on earth. These twelve will also rule the twelve tribes of Israel.

In other words, even though the disciples are all going to fail, they were going to be brought back to being faithful servants. They would be the pioneers of the Gospel. They would be the very ones who would begin the fulfillment of the Great Commission found in . They would no longer be worried about who’s the greatest. They would no longer be concerned abut their position in Christ. They were focused on others seeing God’s kingdom being lived out in their lives. They could focus on proclaiming Jesus to others. Our lives must reflect God’s Kingdom and not this world’s kingdom, while proclaiming Jesus to the world.

The Guardian - 22:31-34

Luke 22:31–34 NASB95

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

We all know that it’s a dark and hostile world out there. There is no longer a politeness and openness to hearing about the things of God. Here in these verse, Jesus addresses this with His disciples. Even though Jesus is specifically addressing Simon Peter, the first time in verse 31, the pronoun you is actually a plural pronoun. We do know that the remaining pronouns which contain you or your are all singular. In essence, it appears that Jesus is telling them all that Satan’s desire is to try and get all the disciples to fail. Yet, Jesus is focusing on Peter specifically, for his downfall will be the greatest.

I also find it troubling and puzzling that Luke uses the phrase Satan has demanded permission . . . Who does Satan think he is? However, this appears to be a very intensive request that Satan wants to get Peter and the other disciples. Yet, he cannot do this without God’s permission.

How would Satan sift [them] like wheat? When one thinks about the way wheat would have been harvested without machines as we have today, we recall that the farmers would take the wheat, chaff, straw, etc., and shake it roughly, then toss it all into the air with a pitch fork like tool. The wind would blow away everything that was light, leaving behind the heavier grain.

Think of Satan trying to violently shake the disciples in such a way that only that which is true would remain behind. We will see this in Gethsemane when the soldiers come to arrest Jesus. Even though Jesus told them to leave his disciples alone, the Bible tells us that they fled the area. Yet later, after the resurrection, they were brought back together and their faith was strengthened.

We know this because of the fact that all the disciples left Jesus and went into hiding, except for Peter and John. We know also that Peter would deny Jesus three times, even as Jesus states in verse 34. Peter’s boldness and his brash promises were not enough to keep him from failing. Isn’t it interesting how even the strongest and most self-confident people can still fail? Strength and courage are wonderful and noble. However, self-confidence is a form of pride which will trip up even the greatest of individuals.

We also see the endearment and pain that Jesus experiences with Peter. By Jesus repeating his name twice shows his deep affection. But why did Jesus choose to use his old name, Simon? Jesus often used the name Simon when talking with Peter. I would wonder if it’s a verbal flashback to who Peter used to be. It might be that Jesus knows Peter is going to regress to what he used to be like before he became a true follower of Jesus Christ.

I love how Jesus encourages Peter even in that upcoming dark time when Peter denies Jesus. Jesus uses the aorist tense of the verb have prayed showing that it is a completed action. In fact, look at verse 32 as to how we might better understand it. Simon, I have prayed for you and it is completed. My prayer is that your faith will not fail. In fact, as a result, when, and you will, turn again in your faith walk, you will have the ability to encourage and strengthen your brothers. We know that Peter is going to fall flat on his face. But that’s not the end. There will come that time when Peter’s faith will be renewed. And because of that renewed faith, Peter will be able to step up and encourage and strengthen his brothers when they are feeling like failures or feel as though all is lost.

By the way, Peter is not told to strengthen them because of his experience of failure; it is because of his experience of faith. We do not ever lead or offer real hope based on our experience or similarities to what someone else has experienced. We lead and offer true hope only through God’s Word.

Interestingly, Peter stubbornly won’t acknowledge the possibility of failure and, in fact, promotes his loyalty and commitment in verse 33. Yet, we see the fact that Peter’s bravery and commitment is based upon the assumption that Jesus was going to be right there with [him]. Like the little tyke walking side-by-side with an older, bigger, stronger individual, there is all kinds of bravery and little to no fear. However, once that protective force of a person is gone, things can begin to fall apart. We’ll see Peter’s bravado show itself when Jesus is being arrested and Peter attacks with his “weapon.”

However, Jesus had already stated that Peter’s faith would fail. So, to make certain that Peter will eventually get it, Jesus predicts in uncanny detail events around the failure Peter will make.

You and I will most likely fail Jesus on various occasions. Jesus is praying for us. This gives us confidence. Our lives must reflect God’s Kingdom and not this world’s kingdom, while proclaiming Jesus to the world.

The Game Plan - 22:35-38

Luke 22:35–38 NASB95

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

This passage may seem like a bit of a contradiction. Yet, when understood in the context, it becomes quite clear that it’s merely a new set of instructions. Verse 35 is where Jesus is describing their ministry back in . While Jesus was on this earth, as they followed Jesus’ instructions and took no real provisions, they were cared for and lacked nothing.

However, when Jesus is gone and they go to do what they’ve been called to do, they are to go prepared. Have the necessary money along, plus plenty of provisions for clothing or food. In addition, be aware that there will be many dangers ahead. Instead of having their needs provided, they would have to take care of that themselves. Instead of Jesus protecting them right then, for He had to do so to fulfill the Scripture and complete the work for which He had come, they would have to trust God for protection.

Then Jesus reminds them of Isaiah’s prophecy in verse 37, in which Jesus speaks of how He is going to be treated like a criminal and all who follow Him will be treated in the same manner. But more specifically, Jesus became a transgressor by taking our place. The passage in very clearly shows that God placed Jesus in that category and then punished Him as our substitute. The world will be completely different once Jesus is gone. Even today, the animosity and venom that is spit out upon Christians continues to increase. We are told multiple times that the world will hate us because it has hated Jesus.

The majority of scholars look at the reference to buying swords as being figurative based upon all of Jesus’ teachings and actual events in the early church. Even when Peter attacked the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear, Jesus rebuked him. In the early church, we do not read anywhere that the apostles defended themselves by using force.

Then there are those who try to prove that Christians are called upon by Jesus to defend themselves with weaponry. However, the word it is connected with is, making this a verb. This verb is also singular and third person. The word for swords is a noun which is plural and is feminine. In order for this last sentence to be a connection to the idea that two swords are sufficient would require that the two match. They don’t. John MacArthur would suggest that the meaning of this last sentence would be, Enough of that kind of talk. Even the majority of study Bibles will have this idea in the notes.

Summary

We need to look for the opportunity to be servants, not CEO’s. We need to look for the opportunity to be a blessing, not a boss.

We also need to remember that God’s promises are true and will be fulfilled. We know that we will fail at times. Yet, we can hold onto God’s promises.

I am greatly encouraged by the fact that Jesus prays for His own. And since Jesus’ prayers are always in tune with the Father’s will, they are always answered. What an encouragement that is!

Another thing that ties in with this is that no matter how much Satan tries to destroy the Christian, he is completely unable to do so. After all, we are under the Father’s protection and nothing can happen to us without God’s permission.

One of the things we can remember is that we have Christ with us at all times. Yet, like Peter, we can sometimes find ourselves doing things or saying things that deny that we even know Jesus.

There is some historical tradition that shows just how committed Peter was to our Savior. We know from the Bible, in that Peter was put into prison and we know that he was executed years later. Based upon tradition, when Peter was crucified, he insisted on being crucified upside down for the reason that he considered himself unworthy to be crucified the same way that Jesus was.

We also see that our power and protection must come from and depend upon God. We cannot do any of this on our own.

Vance Havner tells this following story: Years ago a convention met in Indianapolis to discuss “How to Reach the Masses.” One day during that convention a young man stood on a box on a corner and began to preach. A crowd gathered, mostly workingmen going home to their suppers. They were electrified by the sermon. They forgot that they were tired. They forgot that they were hungry.

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5642 Convention on “How to Reach Masses”

Years ago a convention met in Indianapolis to discuss “How to Reach the Masses.” One day during that convention a young man stood on a box on a corner and began to preach. A crowd gathered, mostly workingmen going home to their suppers. They were electrified by the sermon. They forgot that they were tired. They forgot that they were hungry.

The crowd became so dense that it had to move. The preacher announced that he would preach again at the Academy of Music. They followed him down the street, singing as they went, and they filled the main floor of the building, sitting with their dinner buckets, while he preached again with such power that they were moved to tears.

But he had only a few minutes to preach because the convention on “How to Reach the Masses” was gathering in the same auditorium. While the convention was discussing how to reach the masses, D. L. Moody was doing it! He was preaching the kingdom of God and every man was pressing violently into it!

—Vance Havner

The crowd became so dense that it had to move. The preacher announced that he would preach again at the Academy of Music. They followed him down the street, singing as they went, and they filled the main floor of the building, sitting with their dinner buckets, while he preached again with such power that they were moved to tears.

But he had only a few minutes to preach because the convention on “How to Reach the Masses” was gathering in the same auditorium. While the convention was discussing how to reach the masses, D. L. Moody was doing it! He was preaching the kingdom of God and every man was pressing violently into it!

Our lives must reflect God’s Kingdom and not this world’s kingdom, while proclaiming Jesus to the world.