Synopsis:
The Attitude of a Servant
Text: Luke 22:24–30
Speaker: Wan Yin Chi
In Luke 22:24–30, Jesus redefines greatness by pointing His disciples to the way of humble service. This message contrasts worldly ideas of leadership with Christ’s example as the Servant King, showing that true greatness in God’s kingdom is marked by humility, selflessness, and a willingness to serve without seeking recognition. Believers are challenged to follow Christ’s example and to embrace the privilege of serving Him faithfully.
Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
Text: Luke 22:24–30 (NKJV)
Speaker: Wan Yin Chi
Introduction
A very good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. I thank the Lord for the privilege to share God’s Word with you once again. I also thank the leaders for this opportunity, and I want to thank all of you who prayed for me—some even sent text messages letting me know you were remembering me in prayer. I really appreciate it.
Our passage today is Luke 22:24–30. I’ll be reading from the New King James Version.
Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
“But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
May the Lord bless the public reading of His Word. Let’s commit our time to Him in prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for every thought and remembrance of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ—He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the Servant King who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. As we look into Your Word, open our hearts and humble us to receive it. May we not be hearers only, but doers also. May Your name be glorified. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The disciples were arguing over who among them was the greatest. In response, Jesus pointed to how Gentile kings ruled—they lorded it over their subjects, yet called themselves “benefactors.”
To “lord it over” means to rule in a self-serving way. In the Old Testament, Samuel warned Israel what life under a king would be like (1 Samuel 8:11–18): the king would take their sons for war, their daughters for service, their property, possessions, servants, flocks—everything. People served the king, but the king often did not serve the people. Many rulers exploited their subjects. Think of the pyramids of Egypt—massive tombs for Pharaohs, built at great human cost, yet of no benefit to the people.
So how can a servant of the Lord behave like such a king—expecting to be served rather than serving? This often comes from a worldly mindset: the closer you are to greatness, the greater you are yourself. In my workplace, the CEO is the most powerful, but the second-most powerful person is not the deputy—it’s the CEO’s personal assistant. Whatever she says is taken as from the CEO himself.
The disciples weren’t arguing that they were greater than the Lord, but about who was greatest among themselves. Perhaps they were listing their accomplishments: “I was the first to follow,” “I saw the transfiguration,” “I walked on water.” The greater the service, the greater the person—or so they thought.
This thinking exists in the church too:
But this is not the attitude of a servant. A servant who expects to be served is no different from a king.
Jesus gave two examples:
(a) The Youngest
In most cultures, the youngest gives precedence to the older—waiting to sit, eat, and speak until others have gone first. Being the youngest means putting others first and yourself last. This is the servant’s attitude—meeting others’ needs before your own.
(b) The Servant (Slave)
In biblical times, “servant” often meant “slave.” Slaves had no rights, owned nothing, and even their accomplishments belonged to their master. They could not insist on fair treatment or rewards. It was the master’s role to defend or vindicate them.
Luke 17:7–10 teaches that servants should not expect thanks for doing their duty. If praise comes, it is a bonus, but the servant’s focus is obedience, not recognition. Serving the Lord can be a thankless task, but we serve until the Master tells us to rest.
(a) Because Our Lord Set the Example
Jesus said, “I am among you as the One who serves.” If your company CEO were arranging chairs for a meeting, would you just sit and watch? Certainly not—you would join in immediately. How much more, when we see our Lord serving among His people even now, should we rise and serve others.
(b) Because This is How the Kingdom Works
In God’s kingdom, greatness comes through humility. The disciples will sit on thrones not because they were great, but because they served Christ faithfully. Philippians 2 shows that Jesus humbled Himself before being exalted. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled; those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).
Some commentators suggest the argument arose because Jesus had just said one of them would betray Him. Each defended himself, perhaps listing achievements, which led to comparing greatness.
Jesus reassured them: “You are those who have continued with Me in My trials.” Then He turned to Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you… and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Peter’s denial was his greatest personal failure, but in God’s eyes, it became the foundation for powerful ministry. His restoration enabled him to feed and tend Christ’s sheep, and his testimony still strengthens believers today.
Sometimes God allows painful testing so that, once restored, we can serve in ways we could not before.
Conclusion
We’ve seen:
Brothers and sisters, will we serve the Lord even if it costs us our comfort, our rights, even our lives? May we see the infinite worth of being faithful servants of our Servant King.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the high calling of being a servant of the Lord. Though it is not easy, You have given us willing hearts because of what Jesus has done for us. Help us serve in ways that please and honor You, knowing we serve a good and loving Master who will one day say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We commit ourselves to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Messages: 10
