October 6, 2010

BECOME THE GREATEST DISCIPLE IN 7 EASY STEPS!!!

Luke 22:24-38

Eric Lakey
Wednesday's Devo

October 6, 2010

Wednesday's Devo

October 6, 2010

Central Truth

It is possible to serve without love, but it is not possible to love without serving. Great leaders serve those that they lead because they love the people they are leading.

Key Verse | Luke 22:26

"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."  (Luke 22:26)

Luke 22:24-38

Who Is the Greatest?

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 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.

28 You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, 1 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter 2 22:33 Greek He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus 3 22:34 Greek He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus

35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Footnotes

[1] 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular
[2] 22:33 Greek He
[3] 22:34 Greek He

Dive Deeper | Luke 22:24-38

In yesterday's Journey passage Jesus tells the disciples that one of them is about to betray Him. In today's reading we observe the disciples' shock from this news quickly evolve into an argument about who is the greatest disciple. Jesus interrupts this "discussion" to say that in His kingdom the truly great person will serve others. This is clearly the example He set for us. So, why does Jesus tell us to serve?

Jesus served the disciples because He loved them! Jesus says in Matthew 22:39 that the second most important commandment is to love others. John encouraged believers with "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18, NIV) Paul tells the church in Galatia, "[T]hrough love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:13c-14)

Let me summarize it:
> Loving others is VERY important to God.
> Love requires action and truth.
> Love in Action = Serving Others = Great Leadership.

God has taught me a ton about servant leadership through serving at Celebrate Recovery, a ministry for finding freedom from addictions and compulsive behaviors. Learning that I was not alone in my struggles with anger, lust, and people-pleasing set me free to reach out proactively and serve others. When I cared more about myself and my own insecurities, I was not able to truly serve other people. I was too consumed with me. But when I realized that everyone else deals with some sort of struggles, too, my focus shifted from myself to others, and God gave me a desire to help others find the freedom He had given me. This love for others prompted me to serve them; and, by becoming a servant, I became a leader.

Discussion Questions

1. Who are you leading right now? Keep in mind that you do not have to be "in charge" to lead.

2. Are you serving those that you lead?

3. Do you love those that you serve?

4. Is it possible to truly love/serve/lead others in our own power? HINT:  No, but we can with the power of the Holy Spirit! (See Galatians 5:16-26.)

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do we learn about Peter? What did Jesus tell Peter was going to happen? What is Peter’s response in verse 33 (we know that Peter does deny Jesus even though he said he wouldn’t)?

2. Have you ever not stood up for a friend? Why didn’t you? What would help you make a different choice next time?