Strife Among Jesus' Disciples - Luke 22:24

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “the hand of him that betrays me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goes, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-four of his book Luke shared concerning the disciples, “there was also a strife among them” where we read:

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

The verse reads, “And there was also a strife among them, ...” Luke began with the words, “and there was also a strife” or “and there existed even so and indeed contention, dispute and quarrelsomeness” “among them” which means “among Jesus' disciples”. Luke shared how there was “contention” for the following reason among Jesus' disciples as they discussed who would “betray” Him.

The verse goes on to say, “... which of them should be accounted the greatest.” Luke continued with the words, “which of them” or “who among Jesus' disciples” “should be accounted” which means “would be thought, reputed and judged as” “the greatest” or “the elder, stronger and of more importance”. Luke shared how the “disputing” among Jesus' disciples was because they were arguing about who among them was the “greatest, most important and of more value”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how short-lived the idea of “betraying” Jesus was among His disciples. They went from “contentious discussion” over who among them would “betray” Him to which one of them was of “greatest importance”. Though Jesus was attempting to share His future with His disciples, they were only concerned about their personal position. God is first, primary, above all and over all, and no one comes close to who He is and what He has done for mankind. Though people often attempt to make themselves the “greatest”, they would have no ability or position at all if it were not for God. God sent His Son Jesus, who is truly the greatest, to save mankind from His sins, and those who believe and trust in Him will be “saved” for all eternity. Those who reject God's Son Jesus will have put themselves in the “position of greatest” as they believe themselves to know more than God Himself.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".