E.) A Lesson on Leadership (22:24-30)
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 not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as 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. “And 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. (Luke 22:24-30, NASB).
An Introduction (Gospel of Luke 22:24-30)
Everyone seems to want to lead and no one a follower. Jesus turned our thoughts about this subject around when He showed us what a true godly leader is like.
Luke 22:24-30 'A Lesson on Leadership' is the last of five articles on Luke 22:1-30 with study questions. Jesus constantly is training His leaders. The reason was obvious. They needed it. And so do we!
The Bible Study Questions (Luke 22:24-30)
1) How did the disciples’ topic of conversation change in Luke 22:23? What did it change to in 22:24?
2) Describe that evening’s conversation (22:24) as much as you can. Do you think the evil one was lurking about them too? Why or why not? (See Luke 22:31).
3) Why do people want to be great and noticed rather than unrecognized and unnoticed?
4) Jesus responded to their argument in 22:25-27 by highlighting one point at a time. What was Jesus’ first point as found in 22:25? Are things like that now?
5) What does Jesus say must be true of His disciples (22:26)? How is this different than most people think?
6) Jesus amplifies this by an illustration. Explain this verse found in Luke 22:27.
7) Will these disciples be great? What will make them great? Note how Jesus addresses them. He does not tell them how they will all fail, but instead encourages them? How (22:28)?
8) What does Jesus talk about in 22:29-30? List the stated facts.
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9) Connect verse 28 and 30 along with verse 26. What is Jesus telling them? Can they be the greatest? What is the pathway to this leadership?
“But let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant” (Luke 22:26).
Should we criticize these the aspirations of these disciples? Did Jesus? What are your aspirations for the future after death? Would Jesus be pleased?
How should we handle a competitive spirit? Relate your answer to what Jesus taught the disciples here in 24-30. Church divisions are most often caused due to rivalry. How are we to think and approach these situations?
Think about the church you attend. What do you think of the leaders? What do others think? By which standard will these leaders be rewarded? Do you think those that are not gifted leaders can also be greatly rewarded? How so?
Do you tend to compete with others for attention? What do you need to change about your perspective so that you really get the attention (good) of God?
Scene after scene shows the absolute negative picture of Christ's work. One disciple betrays Him. The others fight over who is greater! These are the 'sent' ones (the apostles). Surely they needed the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. Jesus in the meantime had to keep looking to the Lord and not the circumstances which would have ripped apart His sanity in a moment.
The greatest leader would be like Christ. Jesus told them this but also would shortly show them how it worked on the cross. The cross is despised but it is the opportunity to give the greatest amount of help to others.
Jesus in the end encourages them. They have withstood a lot of criticism even up to this point. They will be greatly rewarded in the future. Luke 22:24-30 'A Lesson on Leadership' is the last of a five-part series on the Passover and the Last Supper. This last section not only shows the darkened circumstances about Christ but also shows the disciples the power of humble service. Jesus is showing them a greater way. They are to follow Him.
This is the last of the series on Luke 22:1-30. Below are other articles on leadership and on the Gospel of Luke.
Discovering Effective Leadership
The Making of a Godly Leader Seminar
Overcoming Discouragement and Depression
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