Lent 1 Midweek
Text: Luke 22:24-32
Who is the greatest?
Many of us know these words of Muhammad Ali, “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”
But Ali said many other things like, “It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am."
These boastful words are sadly a manifestation not only of Muhammad Ali's heart but of mankind.
A boxer might say these things because they believe positive thinking will produce a degree of positive results. Or maybe they are striving to get into the heads of their opponents before a punch is thrown. But you manifest these thoughts of the heart in actions and words whenever you turn away from God to seek earthly dominion and glory.
The Apostles in the Gospel tonight find themselves locked in a great dispute over which one of them is the greatest. Like many family disputes, it follows a wonderful meal, where our Lord institutes a Supper given to us for the forgiveness of sin. But, how quickly the sacredness of the evening flees and the idol of oneself is propagated.
Jesus hears their silliness and says 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.”
In other words, stop viewing greatness through the lens of this world and its leaders. Instead, look to me and answer this question, “For who is the greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”
Jesus presents the Great Reversal; man's greatness is not in being served or lavished with gifts and accolades throughout this life but in serving his neighbor.
So, if the Apostles really wanted to settle their dispute, they would do as Paul wrote, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo[ing] one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
Or as Paul says in Philippians:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
This is how Jesus serves you, the prideful man who exchanges verbal blows with a neighbor or looks for accolades of praise; he lowers Himself to humanity and then takes your place on the cross of Good Friday. By doing so, He completes the Great Reversal by taking your sin into Himself and giving you His righteousness, His forgiveness.
Jesus is not the leader the world likes to see.
He's the Great Savior the world needs.
Jesus is now the icon we must follow.
Gregory the Great wrote:
Therefore, it should be said to the humble that whenever they lower themselves, they ascend to the likeness of God. At the same time, it should be said to the proud that whenever they take pride in themselves, they fall into imitation of the apostate angel. And what could be worse than pride, which by holding itself above everything, so unwinds itself from the stature of true greatness? And what is more sublime than humility, which by lowering itself unites with the Creator, who is above all things?
Hear these words again, “It should be said to the proud that whenever they take pride in themselves, they fall into imitation of the apostate angel.”
The pride of man’s heart is often met with the faltering of faith.
Proud Peter was no different.
Jesus said to him, “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… Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”
But the rooster would soon crow, and Peter's faith had faltered.
However, tucked in this exchange are these words of Jesus to Peter, “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
This language of turning reflects a heart of humble repentance. A renewing of His faith in His teacher and redeemer. Likewise, Peter, and all the Apostles, must take this Word of forgiveness into the world so that the Church might have its faith strengthened through the exercise of confession and absolution.
How we kneel to confess our sins in the Divine Service is truly beautiful. We take the form of a beggar and admit that we have fallen - Satan's voice has penetrated our ears and hearts and turned us against one another.
But the words of the pastor announce to you forgiveness. Forgiveness and grace that must be extended to one another so that we might likewise strengthen one another as we live in Christ Jesus.
The beautiful reality of this kind of life is that it does not seek to be the greatest or possess lordship but desires to receive and show love. The same love that was willing to die for you upon the cross.
As we journey through this Lent, examine your hearts, put away your silly arguments, and the fighting within your heart, and continue to learn how to confess your sin and faith in Jesus Christ, your Great Redeemer. For He has humbled Himself to the point of death, and at the last, He will raise you and all your brothers and sisters in Christ to new life. +INJ+
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Associate Pastor, Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Alexandria, VA
