From Selfish Ambition to Sacrificial Service
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INTRO: The most Christlike Christians are the lowliest ones. [repeat] To be like Christ is to give up entirely on self-promotion and instead to take the road of humble service for the glory of God and the good of others. Sometimes even when I think that’s what I’m doing, but when I use God’s word as a mirror, I might discover the subtle deceitfulness of sin creeping into my heart in the form of selfish ambition.
Jesus taught his disciples to be wary of this very tendency in their own hearts, which is the inclination of every single person.
But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Let me give you a basic outline of the three paragraphs of text here and explain where we’re headed with the central theme in the passage today.
22:21-23 Jesus Prophesies His Betrayal (with an emphasis on divine sovereignty but also accountability for the betrayer)
22:24-27 Jesus Sets His Disciples Straight About Greatness (He Corrects their Competitive Spirit)
22:28-30 Jesus Promises Kingdom Fulfillment - Where this life of sacrifice leads - We Hope in Our Future Inheritance
What ties these three parts together? In our text the disciples display sinful personal ambition, an ungodly and destructive spirit of competition. And it’s not only the case that the subtle guile of self-interest leads to duplicity and betrayal from Judas. But it’s also that subtle self-deceit and selfish ambition lead the disciples to display a competitive spirit, wanting to elevate themselves to a status of recognized importance.
What ties this all together is the danger of selfish ambition, which Jesus contrasts by teaching them to have a spirit of submission and service. And just as that spirit of submission to Christ has been the staying power to keep them following him to this point, so will sacrificial service be the key for their leadership in the present kingdom and ultimately result in receiving the consummated kingdom.
So how do we get from selfish ambition to sacrificial service? How do we guard against the subtle danger of selfishness (self-trust, self-centeredness, self-promotion, self-exaltation) in the Christian life? The way of sacrificial service is the means by which Jesus accomplished the will of the Father, and it is the means by which we are to accomplish the task of following Him.
[Now, to set this up, I’ll start at the center of the text, v. 24.]
THE DANGER OF SELFISH AMBITION (v. 24, cf. Php 1:12-2:11)
THE DANGER OF SELFISH AMBITION (v. 24, cf. Php 1:12-2:11)
If we aren’t careful, we might assume that Judas is the only one in whom a sinful personal ambition is present, but the other disciples too display an ungodly and destructive spirit of competition. And it isn’t the first or only time that the issue surfaces, which means that selfish ambition is a pervasive problem.
Since this occurs around a significant meal, it’s possible or even likely that it ensues near the beginning... or at least stems from where the disciples end up being seated around the table. The places of honor would have been the seats closest to the guest of honor, Jesus. And the age of the disciples would have theoretically been a factor as well. For example, you might imagine that Peter could have been, or probably was, one of the older if not the oldest of the disciples. John was likely one of the youngest, and yet we know John ends up seated immediately adjacent to Jesus (Jn 13:23).
This competitive spirit and selfish ambition doesn’t have to manifest itself in an obvious/overt divisiveness, but can instead be subtle motivation creeping into our primary goal of serving God.
I fear we have the tendency to assume that this is so immature as to be blatantly obvious as selfish ambition, but such is not always the case: In Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church, their destructive competitiveness over personalities and preferences was indeed pretty blatant and obviously divisive (1 Cor 1). But in his letter to the Philippian church, for whom he is so grateful and of whom he has many good things to say, he also shows them by example and by specific warning that a competitive spirit is a subtle danger even for those preaching Christ (Php 1:12ff).
By contrast, he calls on the church to be marked by the humility of Christ that breeds a true unity in striving together for the gospel (1:27-2:11). Partners in the gospel must guard against selfish ambition. Unity and thriving together in ministry can only occur when we are marked by humility—like Christ, like Paul, like Timothy and Epaphroditus.
What Jesus teaches in Luke 22 then is essential to us surviving one another, and conversely, thriving together in ministry—a humble approach to self (Rom 12:3 - “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment”), a grateful approach to others… and a willingness to learn from them.
Now that we’re clear on the danger of selfish ambition, let’s go back and explain what results from…
THE RESULT OF SELFISH AMBITION (vv. 21-24, cf. Php 3:18-19)
THE RESULT OF SELFISH AMBITION (vv. 21-24, cf. Php 3:18-19)
There are at least two things to factor into v. 21, “the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.” The first is a sharp indictment of the level of betrayal: “[..] Readers would view betrayal by one sharing a meal as particularly scandalous, because they saw hospitality and the sharing of table fellowship as an intimate bond.” (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Lk 22:21.)
Secondly, and this is seen is v. 23 as well, the rest of the disciples still do not know which of them is the betrayer. Thirteen sets of hands are at the table, so Jesus is saying that one of these, his closest followers, is already in the process of betraying him (Lk 22:3-6). So they question one another, and surely Judas denies it. But then John records more detail, most likely at this precise moment:
The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
In his self-interest, Judas becomes a betrayer. He displays the way of the one who does not truly submit to Jesus and willingly serve like Jesus. In so doing, he proves himself to not be a true follower of Christ: he does not abide, he does not remain, he does not continue, he does not stay the course with Jesus (v. 28).
So, if our selfish ambition is left to run its course, we reject and betray the God who made us for his glory, and it will lead to our destruction.
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
This warning occurs right in the middle of the context where Paul is telling them to imitate him and others who set an example of sacrificial service that seeks the interest of others above their own opinions and preferences, even ‘rights.’ The danger of selfish ambition is that ultimately it leads to rejecting God’s plan and his command, which will result in eternal ruin, because God is holy and just and cannot allow such rebellion.
The wisdom of Proverbs warns us that…
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
So even though we can be assured that God sovereignly works his purposes, overruling the sinful designs of men (re-read v. 22), each person is responsible/accountable for his actions… and not only his actions, but also his motivations.
Now again, lest we should think that Judas is the only example of this selfish ambition, it seems intentional that Luke goes from what we see in v. 23 right into v. 24. Look there to see what I mean: When they should have been examining themselves to see if it might be within their hearts to betray Jesus, and pleading with one another to be united around Jesus, instead they are selfishly concerned about place and prominence on Jesus’ team.
So even among God’s chosen people, if we leave unchecked our selfish ambition, a spirit of competition, even then it will lead to divisiveness and become a hindrance to the gospel. Again, go see it in 1 Cor. 1. And that’s a victory for whom? For Satan, that’s who.
Now, praise be to God, that we will not stop God’s kingdom from advancing according to his will (v.22), even by our stupid selfishness. But we know for sure that such is not God’s will for us, and we know for sure that we are doing harm to one another and the advance of the gospel by selfish ambition and competition, instead of taking a humble view of ourselves and serving sacrificially for Christ.
And it is precisely sacrificial service which Jesus teaches them is…
THE CORRECTIVE FOR A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT (vv. 25-27, cf. Php 2:3-8)
THE CORRECTIVE FOR A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT (vv. 25-27, cf. Php 2:3-8)
Throw away a worldly leadership model. Throw away a worldly view of what it means to achieve greatness. We must redefine success according to the command and model set by Jesus.
He says to his disciples, you know how the pagans do leadership, lording their authority over people. In fact, scholars believe Christians had to coin a term for humility because the Greeks didn’t have a word for it, and Romans literally looked down on meekness as a weakness. They thought humility was a vice and not a virtue. Kings claimed to be gods and ruled as tyrants. So when they did anyone any favors or any kindnesses whatsoever (even though they did not have to from their own perspective of power), they were acting as so-called benefactors.
But Jesus turns the whole thing on its head. Real leaders are servants, not tyrants. Jesus tells them (v. 26) to give up any concern over your perceived “deserved” status (older/younger), and place yourself below those who should supposedly be “under” you and humbly serve them.
I want to commend to you the leaders/mentors that I follow in our own church family. This is precisely the thing that they have modeled and continue to demonstrate in their lives. The cause of Christ is the priority, therefore they humbly serve in whatever capacity advances the gospel, whatever blesses God’s people for their strength and purity. They set an example for me that I must be wary of selfish ambition and look to humbly serve like Christ.
And consider the example of Christ (v. 27): Who is actually greater? He is. He is the master. But instead of reclining at table for them to serve him, he goes around and washes their feet as a slave would (Jn 13).
“I am among you as one who serves.” The contextual irony couldn’t be more poignant: these men argue over elevating themselves to positions of priority while Jesus prepares them for his departure because he plans to sacrificially give himself over to a heinous, shameful death, bearing God’s wrath for those who deserve the penalty. And these very ones behaving with self-interest are among those who will receive the benefit of his sacrificial love.
About the example of Christ Paul tells the Philippian believers:
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Have this mind among yourselves. No matter what your status, take a lowly view of yourself, and stoop to show the sacrificial love of Jesus. Become as a servant for the good of others and the glory of Christ. The most Christlike Christians are the lowliest ones.
[And now what sometimes we do at the end of the message, I want us to do here. Let’s pause to be sure we apply what we’re learning from Jesus.]
Application
Application
Practically speaking, how do we guard against selfish ambition and pursue sacrificial service? You need a healthy dose of distrusting the deceitfulness of your own heart (cf. Jer. 17:9). I must assume that my natural inclination is to be wrongly motivated. I am self-deceived and self-promoting. My opinion is the most important one, my perspective the best one, my desire the purest one, my aim the highest one.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
The problem with being self-deceived is that we don’t see it. So we must have a teachable spirit that is looking and listening for indication from those around us if we are as purely motivated as we think we are.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
To walk with integrity, you must have a healthy dose of self-distrust and a heaping helping of the humility of Christ.
Ask yourself (or more appropriately, ask God’s word about yourself): How can I view myself with sober judgment? (Rom 12:3) Am I too great, too important, to serve? [reread v. 27] Instead of looking around at one another to see if we deserve or can achieve higher status, we fix our eyes on Jesus, who did not cling to status, but humbled himself in service for the ultimate good of others, for our good.
And now finally… what results from such sacrificial service?
THE RESULT OF SACRIFICIAL SERVICE (vv. 28-30, cf. Php 2:9-11)
THE RESULT OF SACRIFICIAL SERVICE (vv. 28-30, cf. Php 2:9-11)
First of all, the result of Christ’s sacrificial service is our salvation.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus donned a slave status and obediently gave his life on a cross to pay for sin and purchase our freedom and forgiveness, redeeming and reconciling us to God.
And it not only purchased our salvation, but resulted in Christ’s exaltation... to the glory of God: [remember the preceding context in Php 2]
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Now, if we are his, then we can and we must love and serve like him, and so prove to be his disciples (Jn 15:8). So Jesus tells his disciples, presumably now the eleven, how all this sacrificial service for him will turn out in the near future and in the end. First he confirms that because he has chosen them and they have truly believed in him, they are those who have stayed/remained/continued with Jesus in his trials (which is all of his ministry, including temptations and sorrows, opposition and rejection).
That is what they have already done in the past, so far: remained with Jesus in the difficult task of his sacrificial service. And they will learn that this is really because it is he who has kept them, and it will be God who continues to keep those who are his own (Jn 17:8, 11-12).
And so in the present (v. 29) Jesus is assigning to them a kingdom. They will be given responsibility to be the foundational leaders of the church, this kingdom that Jesus is inaugurating by his sacrificial death and resurrection power. The kingdom is made up of those who are his by faith, and the task of these disciples will be to spread the good news and the lead by serving, just as Christ himself has done.
When all is complete, then in the future (which is how I understand v. 30), these very same foundational followers that Jesus chose out of the world (evidently including Matthias, who is chosen to replace Judas - Acts 1:26) will be finally reunited with their Lord and will fellowship with him at his table (a picture of a final consummation wedding feast, Rev. 19:6-10) And these particular Apostles will be rulers over the 12 tribes of Israel. We in our church take this to be a reference to an earthly consummated kingdom of Christ for a thousand years (or a long period of time) before the eternal state (Rev. 20:4). Some of our Christian brothers and sisters take these to be metaphorical references to consummation in the eternal state.
But the point is clear: They have stayed with him, they will serve like him in the present spiritual kingdom assigned to them, and then they will ultimately receive the consummated kingdom when Jesus rules over all. And this is the glorious end for all who are in Christ: He will keep us, but we must sacrificially serve like him, and we will receive his kingdom in the end. We will be there and sit at his table, in perfect fellowship and lasting celebration for what he accomplished by his sacrificial service on our behalf.
The most Christlike Christians are the lowliest ones. My God grant us the grace to be like Christ: to give up entirely on self-promotion and instead to take the road of humble service for the glory of God and the good of others.
PRAY