Luke 22:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

NIV: A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

NASB: And a dispute also developed among them as to which one of them was regarded as being the greatest.

CSB: Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.

NLT: Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

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

NKJV: Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

The disciples go from fretting about which of them will betray Jesus to arguing over which will be the greatest. It is a common discussion among these men by now (Matthew 18:1); the tone ranges from joking to outright combat. Jesus isn't amused. Luke is the only writer who puts this discussion in the Last Supper. There's no reason to believe Jesus didn't have to teach this material more than once (Matthew 20:20–28; Mark 10:35–45; Luke 9:46–48). Some scholars suggest this originally followed Luke 22:16. This would suggest that Jesus' comments about His betrayer come after Jesus' promise about the twelve thrones (Luke 22:30), and that Luke rearranged the sections for effect.

That's possible, as ancient writers were focused on concepts, not strict chronology. Not long before, Jesus had told the disciples that He would return in glory (Luke 21:25–28), and they still think Jesus is about to become king. Now, He reaffirms their high ranking in His kingdom (Luke 22:28–30). Some scholars think this argument sets the scene for Jesus to wash the disciples' feet in a show of humble servant leadership (John 13:1–11).

The way it is placed here presents the events in a chiasm—a mirrored arrangement—that sets Luke 22:24–30 in the center. The focal point of the chapter becomes: Who do we want to be? Do we want to scrabble for power and rule harshly? Or do we want to follow Jesus' example of servant-leadership and accept the position and authority the Father has prepared for us?

Luke 22:24–30 is the heart of Luke 22. The disciples have a choice: will they grasp for worldly power like the Gentiles or will they strive to be servant-leaders like their Messiah? New covenant leadership in God's kingdom is service. The disciples' self-involvement fits perfectly between Jesus' warnings of Judas's betrayal (Luke 22:21–23) and Peter's denials (Luke 22:31–34). Some scholars suggest this exchange provides a springboard for Jesus to wash the disciples' feet in a demonstration of servant leadership (John 13:1–17). This passage contains information unique to this gospel.

Luke 22 is a long chapter which records events leading to Jesus' political trials and crucifixion. He has successfully taught crowds at the temple and proved His authority over the religious leaders (Luke 19:47—20). Meanwhile the leaders have spent the week planning to arrest Jesus and have Him killed (Luke 19:47–48). This chapter records the Last Supper, the arrest on the Mount of Olives, and the trials before the Jewish religious leaders. Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 18 cover much of the same information.

Luke 23 continues Jesus' trials before Pilate and Herod Antipas. He is then led to the cross where He forgives His murderers and saves a thief before He dies. In Luke 24, Jesus rises from the dead, meets two disciples while they travel, and explains to them how the Old Testament prophesied the death of the Messiah. In the final scene of the gospel, Jesus is reunited with His disciples, blesses them, and ascends into heaven.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.