devotional post # 2065

Luke 22:24-27

Luk 22:24 But an argument also happened among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.
Luk 22:25 And he said to them, “The kings among the Gentiles exercise control over them, although those in authority over them are called good workers.
Luk 22:26 But it is not to be this way with you. Instead, let the greatest among you become as a newcomer, and the leader as one who serves.
Luk 22:27 Because 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 with you as the one who serves.

towel leadership

The shift in the room must have been jarring. One moment the disciples were asking who among them could possibly betray Jesus. The next moment they were arguing about who was the greatest. It’s a painfully human scene—fear turning into pride, insecurity turning into competition. And Jesus, with the patience of a true shepherd, redirects them once again to the heart of His kingdom.

He points to the Gentile rulers, the ones who loved titles like benefactor—euergetes, “good worker,” “public benefactor.” They enjoyed being praised for their leadership, but in reality they placed the weight of labor on the people beneath them. Their greatness was measured by how many served them.

Jesus turns that entire model upside down. He reminds His disciples that He Himself took the towel, knelt down, and washed their feet. The One who had every right to be served chose instead to serve. The One with all authority used that authority to bless, not to demand. He was not teaching leadership as the world defines it; He was teaching servanthood as heaven defines it.

In His kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people follow you, but by how many people you lift up. Influence is not about being recognized, but about quietly pouring yourself out. Authority is not about control, but about compassion. Jesus did not merely talk about servanthood—He embodied it. He taught it by doing it.

And that is the invitation He extends to us. We teach servanthood not by lecturing about humility, but by living it. By taking the towel. By choosing the lower place. By doing the unseen work. By loving in ways that cost us something. When we serve, we reflect the heart of the One who served us to the very end.

LORD, may we follow Your example and teach servanthood by serving.