Luke 22:24-34

"A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest." (Luke 22:24)

The Life Application Commentary says this, "The most important event in history is about to take place and the disciples are still arguing about their prestige in the kingdom!"  First they are mumbling to themselves, wondering who was going to betray their Lord and in the next breath they are asking which of them was the greatest.  Very human conduct, don't you think?

I can't help but wonder if all this posturing for position isn't a nervous maneuver.  When I know a truth but do not want to face it, I can come up with all sorts of ideas to distract my heart from reality.  Jesus has been teaching his followers about His death for some time now, preparing them for the day He would not be with them.  Just maybe they are beginning to understand and are in a state of denial.

This type of behavior is often a coping mechanism, a way of carrying on in an effort to deny tomorrow its place in our life. Is there something we need to be preparing for; some event that will change our world?  Perhaps we need to take a strong look at our finances and lay out a better plan, curbing our spending.  There might be a relationship that needs attention and really can't wait until just the right moment to arrive.

Whatever it is, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is praying for us just as He prayed for his disciples, just has He prayed for Simon right before the man denied knowing His Savior.

“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)

Read the Luke 22:24-34 text here.  Listen to a reading of the Luke 22:24-34 text here.