“I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)
Jesus has just announced that His body and blood will be sacrificed for His people. He has also said that one of the disciples will betray Him, leading to His arrest and death. The disciples are shocked by these words: who would do such a thing? But soon their conversation goes in a completely different direction: which of them is actually the greatest?
What a disappointing discussion! This is the last Passover meal they celebrate with Jesus (as He has told them) and they fight over which of them is the most important. This question had been discussed many times before, and Jesus had also said several times that His kingdom is very different. Apparently, this message still had not penetrated. Therefore, Jesus repeats it again, “I am among you as the one who serves”. He is the almighty Creator of the world, but He humbles Himself to the extreme. And therefore, the disciples, too, must cease their proud behavior, and adopt a humble servant-like attitude.
When I read this story, indignation bubbles up within me. How can the disciples be so insensitive and self-centered! But if I am honest, their attitude is actually quite relatable. Humbling yourself is unnatural and difficult. What is your experience?