Disappointing Disciples – Luke 22:24-38

 

 

Introduction – Jesus is talking about the wonderful fulfillment of the Passover and the institution of the glorious Lord’s Supper. Meanwhile, Judas is about to betray Him, and the other disciples stumble over themselves arguing who should be considered the greatest among them. This is embarrassing. This is St. Matthew, St. Peter, and St. John we are talking about. Actually, this is “us.”

 

 

 

Embarrassing Arguments (vv24-30) – There was “ALSO” a dispute, along with the questions about who could possibly betray Jesus (v23). The one dispute led to the other. Jesus teaches that He is not against greatness, nor pursuing greatness. He is against pursuing it or holding on to it in the way of pagans. Greatness, strength, position, authority, is given in the kingdom for one purpose: to serve. And Jesus makes the illustration by pointing to Himself.

But We Will Feast and Rule in His Kingdom – Despite the human failure all around, vv 28-30 shine through; these are the promises of God the Redeemer and the glory of His grace. Understanding who we really are, we have to pinch ourselves to make sure this isn’t a dream. He really intends to have us rule with Him. He really intends to have us sup with Him.

 

 

Embarrassing Prophecy (vv31-34) – Jesus singles out Peter, and at least one of the reasons is that Satan has singled out Peter. Satan is the Accuser, and as in Job’s story, Peter is about to be tested. Peter, possibly coming out of a great argument as to why he is the greatest, responds that he’ll go all the way with Jesus. Christ knows better – He knows the future better and He knows our hearts better. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

But Jesus Prayed for Peter – Peter’s faith did not fail in the end, because Jesus prayed for him. Peter knew this was the strength of his perseverance (1 Pet 5:8-11). Christ is our Intercessor as well (Heb 7:25). We all must repent of the sin of self-reliance, both in our salvation, but just as importantly, in our sanctification (Gal 3:3).

 

 

 

Embarrassing Preparation (vv35-38) – There was a time when Jesus sent the Twelve out without provisions, trusting in the Lord’s care. They testify that they lacked nothing. But Jesus says a new time is coming; a time of open hostility to the followers of Jesus. Like a soldier, they must be prepared to not turn from the task before them. But Jesus is speaking metaphorically and stops the conversation when the disciples look around and find they have two swords – obviously not enough to defend the twelve. But that was not Jesus’ point and so He says, “it is enough.” This is the kind of phrase that God spoke to Moses in Deut 3:26 saying, “Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter.” Jesus has a different kind of preparation in mind.

Jesus gives the reason for this need of preparation pointing to Isaiah’s prophesy of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53, esp. v12) and this comment – “For the things concerning Me have an end.”

But the Kingdom Will Prevail – The Kingdom of God will prevail (Matt 16:18). The weapons of this warfare are spiritual, not carnal (1 Cor 10:3-4), and so the kingdom does not go forth through violence, but with the gospel. The kingdom will prevail and so there will be a day when swords will be beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4).

 

 

 

Thinking Too Highly of Ourselves – When the disciples say, “Lord, look, here are two swords,” or when Peter swears that he would never deny his Lord, or when the disciples make the case for their own greatness, they are thinking too highly of themselves. “We can do it (ourselves).” “We will always be faithful (ourselves).” “We are better than that other disciple (ourselves).”

The Life or Death of the Community of the Saints (Phil 2:1-11) – Selfish ambition and conceit, these are the two great enemies of community and faithfulness. Jesus died for these sins and so we do not have to live in the grip of them any more (v4). But we are still tempted in such ways and so must hear the admonition. Where it is not weeded out, there will be a seedbed of division that will manifest itself in factions within families, friendships, churches, and every human relationship.

The Mind of Christ – Of course the answer is the mind of Christ who humbled Himself to serve. Our passage in Luke reminds us of the great fortitude and forbearance with which Jesus serves us long before we are ever perfect. By His Spirit we are to imitate Him.

 

 

 

Dave Hatcher – February 18, 2007