Luke 22:27
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.
Have you ever attended a banquet or reception where you were the guest of honor? Where were you seated? That's right, smack dab in the middle of the high table reserved for the most important persons in attendance. While basking in the glow of attention and, perhaps, even adoration, did you even notice the silent servers who met your every dining need before you could even think to ask? Did you take time to honor them with a "thank you" when they refilled your glass or deftly removed your plate, or were you too caught up in your moment?
At the Last Supper, I am certain the disciples reserved the highest seat at the table for Jesus. After all, was there among them anyone more deserving of such an honor. The squabbles that arose between the disciples about who was greater may have stemmed from the desire of each to be seated next to their Lord, to be perceived by the others as being more important, more beloved. Once again, Jesus literally turns the tables on them by reminding them, as He had done many times before, that the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45 and Matthew 20:28). Only by serving one another, in loving their neighbors as themselves, would the disciples gain true honor and the glory of God's Kingdom.
I leave you with this question: To whom can you be of service today?
Readings
Psalms 105:1-22 or 105:23-45
1 Samuel 8:1-22
Acts 6:15-7:16
Luke 22:24-30
How many times, and in different ways, do we see the "Golden Rule" explained and built upon in the Bible. This is just another example, and yet people still forget.
ReplyDeleteBecause "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". We ALL need reminders. :)
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