24. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26. But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat;
32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
36. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
(Memorize verses 24-26.)
Golden Text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.
NOTE.—This discourse was given in the upper room, where Jesus and his disciples assembled to celebrate the Passover. Here were instituted the Lord’s supper and the rite of humility, or washing of feet (John 13); which were to be observed until his return in person at the close of the Gospel age. They were to be reminders of his humiliation in taking our nature upon him, his life of humility in the work of salvation, and of his broken body and spilt blood freely given for the world. The time was Thursday evening before and after sunset, the day before the crucifixion, and the place Jerusalem. Read parallel records in the other Gospels.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What strife existed among the disciples? Verse 24. Note 1. (2) What did Jesus say concerning lords and masters? Verse 25. Note 2. (3) How did he say it should be with the disciples? Verse 26. (4) How did he illustrate his meaning? Verse 27. Note 3. (5) Who did he say they were? Verse 28. (6) What did Jesus say he appointed for them? Verse 29. See John 14:2, 3. (7) What joys and positions would be theirs in the kingdom? Verse 30. (8) What special message did Jesus have for Peter? Verse 31. (9) For what purpose had the Lord prayed? Verse 32. Note 4. (10) What did he further tell Peter to do? Same verse. (11) What declaration did Peter make? Verse 33. See Mark 14:27-31. (12) What did the Lord say Peter would do? Verse 34. (13) What question did Jesus ask the disciples concerning their needs when he sent them forth to preach? Verse 35. (14) What did he say of the present time? Verse 36. Note 5. (15) Would aught fail that was written concerning him? Verse 37. (16) What was written of him? Same verse. Note 6.
NOTES.
1. Strife.—The original suggests earnest and eager discussion. Literally, it is love of strife.
2. Benefactors.—In the world kings and lords are highly exalted, and rule, more often than otherwise, harshly. They lord it over them. Yet for what they choose to do to promote prosperity they wish to be called benefactors. Not only this, but in a worldly sense those who do what the world considers good actions or deeds are desirous of and frequently obtain chief positions. The Lord teaches his people in all ages that these motives are not inspired by his example and teaching.
3. He that serveth.—The striking lesson of humility—the washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13)—evidently followed the record in verse 24. Jesus was greater than they, yet he served. Therein was the great lesson and the great example. By right of position he was Lord of all, and all creatures should serve and obey him. Yet he emptied himself of his rights and his power, did not long for a high estate, and took upon him the form of a servant. Philippians 2. This is Christianity. This was the mind that he wished the disciples to have, and this is the mind he wishes his followers in all ages to let work in them. Why not? he virtually asks. This is the course that overcomes the world, and for them who continue with him in this way is prepared a kingdom, and a table therein. The end justifies the temporary hardness of the way.
4. That thy faith fail not.—This was Peter’s special failing, that he was inclined to waver. He was not so constant as it was his privilege to be, yet he believed himself full of faith and constancy. How many Peters there are in the world at the present day! A little hardship, or a little adversity, turns them from their purpose. The Lord knew what was in store for Peter, and prayed, not that the trial and temptation might pass, but that when the shock came, and the man learned how utterly weak he was, his faith might not fail. He prayed that he might not be disheartened, but take hold with firmer purpose. That prayer was for every wavering or overconfident soul who might pass through the same experience. Have you been overcome by the strong foe, and denied your Lord? Let not your faith fail. Satan desires to have you, but there’s a stronger than he, even Christ. And when you have turned again, go to work for the Master.
5. He that hath a purse.—They went forth full of trust in the power of God. There was victory everywhere. But now the Bridegroom was to be taken away, and they were to face stern realities. Their faith was to be tested, and, as subsequent events showed, they were offended because of him, and scattered as sheep without a shepherd, all because they clung to the idea that Christ was then to establish a worldly kingdom. The purse and the sword are the only alternatives when faith in Christ is allowed to falter. There was that, however, in his remarks at this moment, that they failed to see, even tho rebuked at the last (Matt. 26:52), until after the resurrection.
6. This that is written.—The prophecies concerning him would be accomplished. He was made to be sin for us, tho he knew no sin. Have an end,—are to be fulfilled.
