Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

9 November 2024

Reading From Luke 22, John 13

“After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.

 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Manmust die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.

Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

 –Luke 22:20-30

          Yesterday we witness the peaceful scene of the Lord’s Supper recorded in the Gospel According to Matthew, but today we get to experience Luke’s account of what happened from his perspective.  Much like some contentious dinner parties in our modern times, there were conflicting personalities at the table.  This reminds me of Thanksgiving dinners after election day in the United States when family and friends with opposing viewpoints gather together. 

     There was great diversity among the original disciples.  Fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, a prince, a skeptic, and Jewish nationalists made up those called by Jesus to lead His early Church.  Their occupations and politics and personalities could make for some explosive interactions.  The idea that the early church was perfectly unified is simply not true.  Unity of the faith has always been and should always be a primary goal.  Indeed, it is the very goal of our faith to be united with God and with one another as His Body.  It is a difficult learning process, but we must remain committed to work together and dwell together in unity.

     The holiness of the moment at dinnertime was disturbed by the disciples wondering who would betray Jesus and then fighting among themselves about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom.  Jesus intervenes by reminding them of His perfect example as a servant leader.  Not only does He teach us to lead by example, but that example is to be one of humility, grace, mercy and love shown in practical, compassionate ways.  We are called to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought and to put others above ourselves. 

“Lord Jesus, break our pride.  Help us to serve others even when we don’t necessarily want to.  I pray that You would bring proper perspective on how You’ve called us to live in relation to the world around us.  Whenever we live out Your teachings, it disrupts and thwarts the plans of the enemy to divide, steal, kill and destroy.  Thank You for not only teaching us, but showing us.  Bless us with Your wisdom and courage and strength.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
    life forevermore.

–Psalm 133:1-3