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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Amy Boucher-Pye and are based on Luke 22:24-34 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
2 Timothy 4:6-8
24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But 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. 27For 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. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a
kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Sunday May 12 - The greatest of all
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Luke 22:24
“I’m the king of the castle and you’re the dirty rascal...” The childhood ditty might sound cute in the high-pitched voices of children, but the sentiment is clear – from an early age, the desire to place ourselves in positions over others is deep and innate. We see this same jockeying for position even among the friends of Jesus, those who shared life with him, benefiting from his love and experiencing his grace. But having eaten their last meal with Jesus when they celebrated the Passover meal, they tried to figure out not how to serve others, but which of them was the greatest.
These friends had in-person experience of the most amazing servant ever, but if we believe in Jesus he now lives within us as the risen Lord. Jesus actually welcomes us to invite his Spirit into our hearts and minds. Through his love we can serve the lowly – even those in our own family, whom at times we might find most difficult to love and serve! With his Spirit within, he will show us how to embrace a hidden humility through which we can truly love others.
Even as Jesus prayed for Peter, so through his Spirit he prays for us (see Romans 8:26). As we embrace his love and prayers, we no longer care who is the greatest. After all, we know that’s Jesus!
Loving Jesus, help me not to puff myself up. I’m so grateful that I’ve been created in your image. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY