"Who is Greater?"

When the Kingdom comes....

Luke 22:24-38 records a dispute arose among the disciples, after the last supper, the passover meal, as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

1. The Kingdom comes through service and humility

Jesus teaches them about the character of the kingdom coming.

Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.

26 But you are not to be like that.

"Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 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. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials."

How does worldly thinking shape the way you serve God ?

What does servant heartedness look like in your circumstances?

What warning is there here for us ?

2. The Kingdom comes through the suffering of the servant king not the sword.

The Kingdom of God does not come by lifting up a sword against unjust social structures but through the Suffering servant of Isaiah 53.

Jesus anticipates a season of suffering, He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (This ought to be read figuratively to describe the upcoming period of conflict.)

Anticipating his suffering, Jesus applies the words of Isaiah 53 to himself, "It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors' ; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed....

...he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah looks to the future ministry of the suffering servant who in accordance with the purpose of God becomes our substitute, our atoning sacrifice. Jesus applies these words to his ministry.

What's your response to Jesus, the suffering servant?

(mine is "Hallelujah what a Saviour, Have mercy on me a sinner....")
What does Isa 53 teach us about the significance and meaning of the death of Jesus?

but still the disciples don't quite get it ....

"See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied.

"Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done" GP