This week as we continue the second half of the last Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples before the cross, Jesus makes a stunning statement. As the disciples are disputing over the future pecking order of their authority in Christ’s coming kingdom, Jesus turns their ideas of greatness upside down with this mic drop.
“I am among you as the one who serves (Luke 22:27).”
This is the One of whom it is written:
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:2–3).”
I can only imagine the silence that filled the room when he said that. He was about to make “purification for sins (Hebrews 1:3)” by laying down his life as a ransom at the cross. He was about to face the unimaginable, the wrath of God for the sins of the world, in our place – the ultimate act of servanthood.
And as if this weren’t humble enough… selfless enough, as Jesus is headed toward this terrifying moment, his thoughts are for his disciples – Peter, in particular.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31–32)
He was praying for Peter. Despite Peter’s bravado in the upper room, his faith would fail… this time. But on the other side of Jesus’ resurrection we see a different Peter, with Spirit-filled boldness. Jesus’ prayers were answered.
And Jesus prays for us, too. He is at this very moment at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Satan would like to sift each one of us like wheat through one scheme or another. But our Savior intercedes for us, too. Amazing.
This Sunday Scott Rosenkranz will be preaching Luke 22:24-38 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare?
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
SONG OF THE WEEK
How Great Thou Art recording by Shane and Shane
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin