Luke 22:24

THE TRUE WAY TO GREATNESS

‘And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.’

Luke 22:24

The disciples had not yet clearly understood the true design of Christ’s mission, and the nature of His Kingdom; and hence the strife which rose among them concerning superiority. The true way to greatness taught by Christ to His disciples does not consist in power and authority according to our worldly opinions. It is not external, but internal in essence, and consists in kindness and service.

I. It is natural to aspire after dignity and honour.—It is not the creation of circumstances, but a part of the constitution of the human mind. It is therefore a holy and righteous principle. To be the greatest is no sin; but the desire to be accounted greatest is rebuked here. The principle is natural and right if it be rightly exercised. Some must be greater than others, and there must be the greatest, otherwise God would have dispensed to all the same talents and similar opportunities.

II. The best men may fail.—Observe here—

(a) The cause of their failure.

(b) The spirit of their failure. It was carnal, external, and worldly.

(c) The manifestation of their failure. It appears in various ways among men. Men seem to claim a superiority over others because of their age, but it does not follow that it gives claim to superiority. Character and usefulness are the only claims to superiority in the moral world.

III. Fidelity to Christ qualifies for higher spheres.—Observe—

(a) That adherence to Christ brings us into contact with the greatest trials. Prepare for a true knowledge of Christ.

(b) That all true disciples cleave to Christ, even in His trials. ‘Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations.’ Trials cause a more entire devotedness to Christ and His service.

(c) Christ will honourably acknowledge and reward fidelity in His disciples. ‘And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath appointed unto Me.’ Honour and dignity shall be the reward of those who faithfully adhere to Christ in all circumstances of life.