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Luke 22

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

What does Luke 22:26 mean?

Explanation

Luke 22:26 is a verse that encapsulates Jesus' teachings on leadership and service.

In this passage, Jesus contrasts the worldly understanding of greatness, which is often linked to authority and dominance, with the Kingdom of God's perspective, where true greatness is found in humility and service.

Jesus urges his followers to adopt a servant-like attitude, regardless of their status or position, upturning social norms that associate greatness with power.

The call is for the 'greatest' or leaders to be like the 'younger,' who culturally would have less honor and for the 'chief' or those with recognized authority to serve as though they were not in charge.

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Historical Context

Luke 22 presents the Last Supper narrative, during which Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.

The context of this verse includes an argument among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest in the kingdom (Luke 22:24).

In Jewish culture, status, age, and position played substantial roles in determining one's social standing.

Rabbis and leaders were held in high esteem, and the younger often served the elder.

Here, Jesus subverts the expected norms of leadership and greatness by promoting a model of servant leadership.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 22:26 reflects the essence of the Christian doctrine of servant leadership, which is also exemplified in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

It presents a contrast to the secular understanding of power and suggests that true leadership in the eyes of God is rooted in humility and the will to serve others.

The verse also aligns with the concept of the "Upside-down Kingdom," where many of the values of the world are inverted in the Kingdom of God.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as a guide for behavior in various spheres of life, including familial, communal, corporate, and religious settings.

It encourages individuals to lead by example, to prioritize the needs of others, and to serve with humility.

In leadership, it suggests that a leader's effectiveness is not measured by their control over others but by their dedication to serving those they lead.

It also encourages a re-evaluation of societal standards of importance and success, advocating for an approach to life that values service over status.

Cross-References

Matthew 20:26 - "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;"
Matthew 23:11 - "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."
Mark 9:35 - "And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
John 13:14 - "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
Philippians 2:5-7 - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "greatest" is μείζων (meizōn), implying someone who is greater in terms of status or importance.

The term "younger" is νεώτερος (neōteros), which suggests someone who is younger in age but also with less authority and lower in rank.

The word "chief" is ἡγούμενος (hēgoumenos), which describes a leader or someone who leads or commands.

Finally, the word "serve" comes from διακονέω (diakoneō), which is the root for 'deacon' and implies ministering or waiting upon others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In religious and cultural traditions outside of Christianity, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, there are also teachings on the greatness of service and the virtue of humility.

For example, in Buddhism, the idea of 'servant leadership' can be seen in the Bodhisattva ideal, where individuals seek enlightenment not just for themselves but also to help others achieve it.

However, the Christian teaching in Luke is distinct in its association with the person and work of Jesus, who serves as the ultimate example of this servitude.

Scientific Perspectives

From a sociological perspective, there is evidence to suggest that servant leadership models can lead to healthier organizational environments and more effective teams.

Psychological studies on humility and altruism also support the idea that servant leaders can foster stronger group cohesion and satisfaction.

These scientific perspectives provide a secular affirmation of some of the benefits that are described in the Christian teachings about servant leadership and humility.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse insights on Luke 22:26.

For instance, some emphasize the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' teachings on leadership, suggesting that his model directly challenges societal hierarchies.

Others focus on the pedagogical method of Jesus, who uses a moment of discord among his disciples to teach a profound and lasting lesson on service and humility.

Moreover, there are commentaries that draw parallels between this teaching and the larger narrative of Jesus' life, particularly his death on the cross, as the ultimate act of service and sacrifice for others.

Luke 22

Luke 22

What does Luke 22:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 22:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?