In reflecting on the disciples’ dispute over greatness in Luke 22, we see a sharp contrast between worldly power and the logic of the Kingdom of God. We recognize that while the world defines greatness through authority and status, Jesus calls us to a life characterized by the phrase “not so with you,” where the greatest is the one who serves. We understand that even in the aftermath of the most sacred moments, like the Lord’s Supper, we are prone to the human desire for prestige and control. By following the example of Christ, who stood among us as one who serves, we commit to seeking a “superpower” found in humility and service, trusting that the path to true greatness involves laying down our earthly ambitions for the sake of others.

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Good morning! It is good to be with you on this Thursday morning as we keep moving through Luke’s Gospel. After our look at the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper yesterday, we move into a scene that is, quite frankly, “on brand” for the disciples.

Not So With You: A Reflection on Luke 22:24–30

There is a striking irony in this passage. The disciples have just finished the very first Eucharist. They have shared the bread and the cup; they have heard Jesus speak of His body being broken and His blood being poured out. And how do they spend their post-dinner conversation?

They have an argument about which one of them is the greatest.

It is a moment that makes you love them because it is so human. If you ever feel like your faith isn’t as mature as it should be, or that you’re missing the point, just look at the twelve. After three years with the Savior, they are still fussing over their rank.

The Way of the World

Jesus hears their dispute and stops them with a phrase that serves as a cornerstone for Christian ethics: “But not so with you.”

He points out how the world works. In the culture of Jesus’ day—and in our own—power is usually defined by “lording it over” others. Those in charge are called “benefactors” or “great men.” It’s the “might makes right” philosophy. Whether we’re talking about corporate ladders, political influence, or even the “Ring of Power” from The Lord of the Rings, the human instinct is to want to be at the top of the food chain. We want to be in control.

The Kingdom Superpower

Jesus completely flips the pyramid. He tells them that if they want to be great in His kingdom, they have to become like the youngest—the one with the least status—and the leader must become like the one who serves.

Then He points to Himself as the ultimate example: “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.”

Our “superpower” as followers of Jesus isn’t our position, our title, or our authority. Our power comes from service. We don’t operate the way the world does. We don’t seek power for power’s sake, because we know that kind of power eventually destroys. Instead, we take up the “sword of peace” and the “banner of service.”

Greatness in Your Context

Today, the path to greatness is available to you in every room you walk into:

• If you want to be the greatest in your job, look for ways to serve your colleagues.
• If you want to be the greatest in your church, look for the humble tasks no one else wants to do.
• If you want to be the greatest in your family, lead with a servant’s heart.

When we see the world operating on greed and ego, we must keep that line of Jesus tucked in our hearts: Not so with you.We are called to a higher way—the way of the one who laid down His life so that we might truly live.