Who Is the Greatest? Jesus’ Teaching on Servanthood (Luke 22:24–30)
Introduction
The FAQ at the bottom will give you insights at a glance.
It’s the night before Jesus is crucified. The disciples have just celebrated the Passover meal with him, an evening we now call the Last Supper. It should have been a solemn time, a moment of reflection, yet Luke tells us that right in the middle of this sacred gathering, the disciples start arguing about something embarrassingly petty—who among them is the greatest (Luke 22:24). They’ve followed Jesus for three years, heard his teaching, seen his miracles, and yet, here they are, jockeying for position.
Jesus doesn’t dismiss them. He doesn’t roll his eyes and walk away. Instead, he takes this moment to teach them one of the most critical lessons of leadership in the Kingdom of God. What he says is not just for them—it’s for every future leader of the church, from Peter and John to you and me. And when we look at Acts, we see how this lesson shaped them.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 22:24–30 and Commentary
Luke 22:24 – The Disciples’ Argument
“A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24, NRSV)
It’s almost hard to believe. Jesus has just revealed that he’s about to be betrayed (Luke 22:21–23), and instead of dwelling on that, the disciples get caught up in an argument about status. This isn’t the first time they’ve had this conversation. Earlier, they debated about who was the greatest, and Jesus placed a child in their midst to illustrate humility (Luke 9:46–48). But old habits die hard.
Jesus knows these men will soon be leading the church in his name. They will be the apostles who carry the gospel into the world. But if they go into ministry seeking power, they’ll fail before they begin. So he corrects them—not by scolding them, but by reshaping their understanding of greatness.
Luke 22:25–26 – Leadership in the Kingdom of God
“But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.’” (Luke 22:25–26, NRSV)
Jesus draws a contrast between worldly leadership and Kingdom leadership. In the world, power is often measured by how many people serve you. But in God’s Kingdom, greatness is measured by how many people you serve. The model of leadership Jesus presents is not one of dominance but of humility. This is countercultural—not just in the first century but in every era. The world has always celebrated rulers who exert authority, demand respect, and consolidate power. Jesus dismantles that mindset. In his Kingdom, leaders take the lowest place. They serve. They sacrifice. They put the needs of others above their own.
This lesson comes up again and again in Jesus’ ministry. When James and John ask for seats of honor in his Kingdom, he responds by saying, “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). It’s a direct rebuke of their ambition. The path to honor in God’s economy isn’t through self-promotion but through self-denial. Jesus himself is the example—“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
In Luke 22, Jesus applies this principle directly to the twelve—leaders who will soon guide the early church through the fires of persecution. These men will be the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20), and their leadership will set the tone for generations to come. They cannot lead like the world. They must follow the example of their Master.
We see this play out in Acts. Peter, who was part of this argument, later writes that elders in the church should “not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). He learned the lesson well. By Acts 6, the apostles delegate responsibilities to deacons, ensuring that the physical needs of the church are met while they focus on prayer and teaching. They don’t hoard power—they distribute it.
Contrast this with the Old Testament example of King Saul. He was given leadership over Israel, but he wielded it with insecurity and pride. He grasped at power rather than trusting God. When confronted with his sin, he made excuses rather than repenting (1 Samuel 15:24). His leadership was about self-preservation. In contrast, David, though flawed, demonstrated a heart of humility. He refused to take Saul’s life when given the chance (1 Samuel 24:6), showing that he understood true leadership is not about grasping for power but about submitting to God.
The early church followed Jesus’ model. Paul, though an apostle, worked with his hands to avoid being a financial burden (Acts 18:3). He called himself the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9) and poured out his life for the sake of the Gospel. Even when he had the authority to command, he often chose instead to appeal in love (Philemon 8–9).
This is the kind of leadership Jesus calls for. Not dominance. Not status-seeking. But humble service. It is radically different from the world, and yet, it is the only kind of leadership that lasts.
Luke 22:27 – The Ultimate Example of Servanthood
“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, NRSV)
Jesus turns the whole concept of authority upside down. He, the Son of God, the rightful King, came not as a ruler demanding service but as a servant washing feet (John 13:12–17). This is the kind of leadership he expects from his followers.
Luke 22:28–30 – The Reward of Servanthood
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:28–30, NRSV)
Jesus acknowledges their faithfulness. Even though they argue and fail, they have stayed with him. And because of that, he gives them a promise—they will reign with him. This is not a promise of earthly power but of a future role in God’s Kingdom.
Luke 22:24–30: Meaning for Today
We live in a world obsessed with status. Success is often measured in influence, titles, and recognition. But Jesus reminds us that in his Kingdom, the greatest are the servants.
This is a word for pastors, church leaders, and every Christian called to serve. Ministry is not about power—it’s about pouring yourself out for others. It’s about choosing the towel over the throne, the cross over the crown. And though the cost is great, Jesus promises that the reward is even greater.
FAQ on Luke 22:24–30
1. Why were the disciples arguing about greatness?
The disciples likely still misunderstood Jesus’ mission, thinking he would establish an earthly kingdom where positions of power would be assigned. Despite walking with Jesus for three years, they were still influenced by worldly ideas of status and rank.
2. How did Jesus respond to their argument?
Rather than rebuking them harshly, Jesus used the moment to teach them about true leadership. He contrasted worldly rulers, who seek power and control, with Kingdom leadership, which is marked by humility and service.
3. What does it mean to be ‘the greatest’ in the Kingdom of God?
In God’s Kingdom, greatness is not measured by authority or status but by servanthood. Jesus taught that the greatest must be like the youngest and the leader must be like one who serves (Luke 22:26). This upside-down model of leadership prioritizes humility over hierarchy.
4. How did Jesus model servanthood?
Jesus exemplified servanthood throughout his ministry. He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17), associated with outcasts, and ultimately gave his life on the cross as the ultimate act of self-sacrifice (Philippians 2:5–8).
5. How does this passage connect to the book of Acts?
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples, once preoccupied with status, became self-sacrificing leaders of the early church. They endured persecution, suffering, and even martyrdom for the gospel (Acts 4:1–3, Acts 7:54–60). Their transformation demonstrates the power of Jesus’ teaching on servanthood.
6. What Old Testament examples contrast with Jesus’ teaching on leadership?
King Saul serves as a negative example—he sought to maintain his power at all costs, acting out of fear and insecurity rather than trust in God (1 Samuel 15:24). In contrast, David, despite his flaws, showed humility and trust in God’s timing, refusing to take Saul’s life even when given the chance (1 Samuel 24:6).
7. What does Jesus mean when he says the disciples will ‘sit on thrones’ judging Israel?
This promise (Luke 22:30) is likely symbolic, referring to the disciples’ future role in establishing and spreading the gospel. Their teachings and leadership helped form the foundation of the church, and in a future sense, they will have a role in God’s final judgment (Matthew 19:28, Revelation 21:14).
8. How does this teaching apply to church leadership today?
Pastors, elders, and ministry leaders are called to lead through servanthood, not power-seeking. True spiritual authority is not about control but about guiding others through love, humility, and sacrifice (1 Peter 5:2–3).
9. How can Christians practice servant leadership in daily life?
Servant leadership isn’t just for pastors—it applies to every believer. In workplaces, families, and communities, we can lead by example, prioritizing others’ needs over personal ambition, showing kindness, and being willing to serve in unseen ways.
10. What is the reward of servanthood in the Kingdom of God?
Jesus promises that those who humble themselves and serve will be exalted (Matthew 23:11–12). While worldly recognition may be lacking, the eternal reward is great—sharing in Christ’s kingdom and hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
