Following Jesus' announcement of His self-sacrifice and the announcement of His betrayal, the disciples' argument over who of them was the greatest appears thoroughly inappropriate (cf. Matt. 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45). Jesus used the situation as an opportunity to teach them the importance of humility again (cf. 9:46-48). Luke's recording of the lesson again illustrates its vital importance for all disciples.
22:24-25 Jesus' point was quite clear. He did not measure greatness as the world does. In the world, authority over other people constitutes greatness, but in Jesus' kingdom service of others does. Pagan rulers have two objectionable characteristics at least. First, they lord it over or tyrannize others (cf. 2 Cor. 1:24; 1 Pet. 5:3). Second, they take titles to themselves that indicate their superiority over others such as "benefactor"(cf. Matt. 23:7). Really Jesus is the only true benefactor (Gr. euergete, cf. Acts 10:38).
22:26 Typically the younger serve the elder, and the servants serve the leaders. The aged enjoyed great veneration in the ancient Near East. However with disciples all must serve regardless of age or responsibility (cf. Acts 5:6; 1 Tim. 5:1; Titus 2:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). Luke's selection of terminology ("is greatest,""youngest,""leader,"and "servant,"lit. deacon) in this pericope suggests that he may have had church leaders specially in mind.477
22:27 In the ancient Near East the person waited on at dinner had a higher social position than the waiter who served him or her. The waiter was often a slave. Jesus had behaved as a slave (Gr. diakonon, one who serves in a lowly way) by serving others, even His disciples (cf. John 13:12-17). They should do likewise. If serving was not below their Master, it should not be below His servants. They should seek opportunities for service rather than status, and they should emulate their Lord rather than pagans.
This lesson is vital for all disciples. Luke's Gentile readers would have been in need of it since they lived in a culture in which pagan values dominated life, as we do.
