Monday 25 August 2008
- Bible Book:
- Luke
"For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." (v.27)
Background
August 25 is the Feast of Bartholomew, named as one of the 12disciples of Jesus. He is usually thought to be the same person asNathanael whose name is found in the lists of the 12 in John'sGospel (John1:45).
These verses from Luke are part of the account of the Last Supper -the meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest andcrucifixion. Jesus turns conventional values upside down. While hisclosest disciples are disputing about their own importance, Jesusis preparing to give up everything - even life itself - out of hiswillingness to be the servant of others.
A similar challenge, put in today's terms, might be to ask, "Whichmember of staff makes the most important contribution?" While onemight say the surgeon another might say the person who sterilisesthe tools the surgeon uses.
To Ponder
Reflect on the description of Jesus in GrahamKendrick's worship song
Are you continually asserting your own importanceor do you look for opportunities to be one who serves? How couldyou better serve those around you?