Luke 22:24-27

22:24 A dispute also started ¹  among them over which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. ²  22:25 So ³  Jesus ⁴  said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ ⁵  22:26 Not so with you; ⁶  instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader ⁷  like the one who serves. ⁸  22:27 For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, ⁹  or the one who serves? Is it not ¹⁰  the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one ¹¹  who serves.

[22:24]  ¹ tn Or “happened.”

[22:24]  ² tn Though the term μείζων (meizwn) here is comparative in form, it is superlative in sense (BDF §244).

[22:25]  ³ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the dispute among the apostles.

[22:25]  ⁴ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[22:25]  ⁵ sn The title ‘benefactor,’ highlighting grace and meaning something like “helper of the people,” was even given to tyrants (2 Macc 4:2; 3 Macc 3:19; Josephus, J. W. 3.9.8 [3.459]).

[22:26]  ⁶ tn Grk “But you are not thus.”

[22:26]  ⁷ tn Or “the ruler.”

[22:26]  ⁸ sn And the leader like the one who serves. Leadership was not to be a matter of privilege and special status, but of service. All social status is leveled out by these remarks. Jesus himself is the prime example of the servant-leader.

[22:27]  ⁹ tn Grk “who reclines at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

[22:27]  ¹⁰ tn The interrogative particle used here in the Greek text (οὐχί, ouci) expects a positive reply.

[22:27]  ¹¹ sn Jesus’ example of humble service, as one who serves, shows that the standard for a disciple is different from that of the world. For an example see John 13:1-17.