Power Lust – Luke 22:24-30

The Roman historian and politician, Tacitus, said, “The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.”  And Winston Churchill said, “Their insatiable lust for power is only equaled by their incurable impotence in exercising it,” of those people who lust for power.  Are we surprised that Jesus’ apostles had power-lust?

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 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.

“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  (Luke 22:24-30 ESV)

Jesus is about to perform the greatest and most unselfish service by going to his death, and his disciples are arguing about which of them is greater.  What would their arguments have been: “I started with Jesus before anybody,” or “He has relied on me more than the rest of you,” or “I gave up more”?  In God’s kingdom the greatest is the one who does not seek greatness but seeks to serve others, as Jesus has done.

But the disciples, though they are thinking this is the time Jesus comes into his Father’s kingdom, are assured that they will receive authority as a reward for their suffering with him.  Only it will not be until Jesus comes again, holds the kingdom banquet, and judges the earth.  No one knew it would be 2000 years and waiting for that to happen.