Slices
Prepare
Think of believers you know or have known who serve the church in love and humility. Thank the Lord for them. Ask him to help you put to death any pride or self-seeking in your heart.
Bible passage
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so 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, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’
33 But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’
34 Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.’
35 Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’
‘Nothing,’ they answered.
36 He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: “And he was numbered with the transgressors”; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.’
38 The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’
‘That’s enough!’ he replied.
Explore
How easily we slip from moments of great depth, significance and worship into our old, sinful patterns! It is likely that the disciples were still sitting at the meal table – with the taste of the precious symbols of Jesus’ coming sacrifice still on their lips – when they started arguing about which of them was the greatest (v 24).
Jesus taught them, again, that his kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. Yes, he would make the disciples great, but they weren’t to exploit this, rather to act as willing servants. The way of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 provides a good picture of the kind of leadership they should have embodied.
Notice also the promise of restoration in verses 31 and 32. Jesus knew that all the disciples would be tested, and Peter in particular would fail the test. Yet he also knew that Peter would repent. He would ‘turn back’ (v 32) – and when he did, he was to strengthen the others.
What a gracious, glorious Lord – even before we fail him, he is ready to forgive and to use us again!
Respond
Thank the Lord for his patience with you, and his unending forgiveness for your sins and failures. Thank him that he knows all about you, loves you and even prays for you.
Deeper Bible study
Think about the grace of God in our moments of weakness, and give thanks to God.
In the midst of Jesus’ warning to the disciples about his impending betrayal and suffering, the disciples were fighting over who was the greatest among them. Greatness in the kingdom is not about power, status and authority, but about attitude, service and faithfulness. Jesus demonstrated greatness throughout his life. He washed the feet of the disciples. He offered his life as a ransom for many. He reminded the disciples that a true follower is one who serves. In the midst of the argument for greatness, Jesus turned to Peter and warned him about his coming weakness and his threefold denial – although Peter was sure that he was ready to serve in prison and even die for Jesus to prove his greatness and loyalty.
Jesus prayed for Peter, not that this failure might be averted but that his faith might not fail. He also prayed that Peter would learn from his weakness and failures, so that he would be in a better position to strengthen others who also failed.
Sometimes, our best lessons in life come through reflection on our failure. A Chinese proverb I learned when I was young is that ‘failure is the mother of success’. Relying on our own strength and quest for greatness alone is not sufficient to resist the temptations that come our way. Peter may have been self-confident among his friends, but when questioned by outsiders he faltered. Yet, our failures are not beyond the grace and mercy of God. Let us not trust in our own strength but rely on God’s. If we fail, let us realise that there will be opportunity for us to be restored. Above all else, let us be comforted that Jesus is interceding for us that our faith will not fail.
‘Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.’1
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Joshua 1–3; Psalm 37
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Local Mission Partner COINS and for the Easter Eggsplored event for the Year 6 children of Newbury. Pray for enthusiastic, faith-filled and capable volunteers. Pray also for the pop-up cafés in schools as the trust seeks to rebuild and strengthen relationships with schools.
