Luke 22:1-38; Genesis 39; Psalm 30

“Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.” (Luke 22:23-24 NKJV)

Some people just can’t stay on the subject. They start talking and then, something distracts them so that they go astray onto a different subject. We had teachers that we knew how to distract this way. I’m sure you’ve done something similar. The disciples were apparently easily distracted. Jesus had just told them that somebody was going to betray Him, and they turned that into a discussion as to which of them was the greatest – well next to Jesus I’m sure. It’s easy to guess what happened. Jesus mentioned that someone was going to betray Him. The disciples probably began questioning: “It isn’t me, is it? I wouldn’t be the one to betray You, would I?” Then, one of them would make that a definitive statement. “Couldn’t be me. I wouldn’t do that.” Finally, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Peter started it, someone said, “Oh, it couldn’t be me. I’m Jesus’s best disciple.” And then the arguments began. My brother and I used to argue, jokingly, who the favorite son in the family was. But we both knew that we were teasing each other. Problems happen when people are serious about being the favorite child in the family (think about Joseph and his brothers), or the best/most important person at work. Things can get toxic, cut-throat even when people start putting others down so they can look like the best. How well Jesus used that teachable moment to let them know that true greatness in God’s kingdom is shown in serving others.

Did you have one of “those” people today? Do you have to deal with people who are always right and who think that God couldn’t run the world without them? How did you react when they treated you and others that way? Did you show them grace? Did you act like a servant of God showing them grace and love or did you treat them like they deserved? Make plans to show God’s love and grace to these people especially. God can work on their problems, you treat them like Jesus would.

Oh Lord, You had to deal with “those” people among Your disciples, even. I guess I should expect no less. Give me Your patience as I deal with people who don’t know how to serve You. Let my life and my actions reveal Your love and grace to others.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.