I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30 WEB
This statement of Jesus is recorded in Luke’s gospel and comes at the last supper just before Christ’s arrest and crucifixion. At that time, Jesus breaks bread with his disciples and shares its symbolic representation of his body that is given as atonement for sin. Jesus reveals that the cup from which he drinks symbolizes the new covenant. Specifically, his drink represents the pouring out of his blood for our salvation.
During the dinner, his disciples began a dispute concerning which of them was the greatest. This opens an opportunity for Christ to teach his still naïve followers a lesson about the truth of their future service to the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus asserts that the kings of nations lord over their subjects and benefit from their service. But in contrast, Christ says of his disciples in Luke 22:26, “But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. WEB”
A Ransom for Many
Jesus teaches that those who seek to be great in the kingdom of heaven should not rule over people here on earth. Instead, they should follow his example of service and sacrifice. Answering the question of who is greater in Matthew 20:27-28 Jesus says, “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. WEB”
Jesus also says in Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. WEB” This helps us to understand what Jesus means when he says that he confers a kingdom on each of his disciples. With these kingships comes the responsibility to serve rather than being served so that in the end they will receive glory.
Jesus chose his disciples to serve and sacrifice for the kingdom of God. But also, Christ is promising them a great reward. They will sit at his table and even judge the twelve tribes of Israel for their faithful service.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for calling me to your service. Thank you for the example of Jesus Christ. Give me strength and wisdom to do your will. Help me to serve in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A Man Is Justified by Faith
