Bible Text

Luke 22:24-38 (ESV)

²⁴ A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. ²⁵ And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. ²⁶ But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. ²⁷ For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

²⁸ “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, ²⁹ and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,  ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

³¹ “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, ³² but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” ³³ Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” ³⁴ Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

³⁵ And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” ³⁶ He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ³⁷ For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” ³⁸ And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

• What were the disciples preoccupied with?  What did this cause them to be clueless to?
• What are the things that preoccupy me?  What am I clueless to as a result?

Luke 22:25-30

• In what ways do I seek power or greatness rather than service?
• Reflect on the words of Jesus, “but I am among you as the one who serves,” and their revolutionary meaning regarding power and status.  To what extent have I internalized these values in my life?

Luke 22:31-34

• In light of Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s betrayal, what is surprising about what Jesus tells Peter?
• What is faith according to v. 32?
• What is Jesus’ vision for Peter after he turns back?

Luke 22:35-38

“Why did Jesus tell the disciples to buy a sword?  As he had often done before, Jesus was speaking figuratively here.  He knew persecution was coming and was urging his disciples to be prepared to suffer because of it.  Some think Jesus’ words, “That is enough,” (v. 38) were uttered in exasperation.  The disciples had understood him literally when he meant to be understood figuratively.”⁴ 

• What picture of discipleship do these verses paint?
• How prepared and equipped am I for spiritual battle?