Luke 22:24-27 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 

Who would have guessed? The revered Apostles, the most important and privileged men on earth at the moment, are in conflict, disputing among themselves as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Regarded by whom—Jesus, the crowds, or themselves—is not clear. It does seem clear, however, that they are wondering who among them has the reputation as the greatest Apostle. Understandably, they assume that the role of leader, which the Lord Jesus has modeled so flawlessly, will fall logically to the greatest one of them once he is gone from the scene. 

This familial contention happened on another occasion, following Jesus’ prediction that he would suffer betrayal and be killed.  

Mark 9:33-34 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.  

Indignancy also broke out in their ranks when the ten heard that James and John requested a special place at Jesus’ right hand in glory, obviously seeking prominence above the others (Matt. 20:20f). Would they have asked if they didn’t think they deserved it? 

Pride of Place and Prominence

While we’d love to believe that the disciples’ quarrels involved mere curiosity without self-promotion, it is clear that pride of place and prominence motivated their bickering, or Jesus would not have advocated a “not so with you” kind of leadership. Each of them anticipates that Jesus will identify them as the Apostle who clearly stands out as the greatest among all the others. Consequently, you can be sure Jesus provoked much bewilderment after an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest with this declaration: (Luke 9:46): 

Luke 9:48 For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.          

No doubt the disciples were startled, if not perplexed, hearing this exhortation multiple times:            

Matt.23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke14:11; 18:14)

Such warnings, however, are meant to be a blessing. 

Jesus gives us a needful, simple litmus test to scrutinize our motives for sin or righteousness: pride or humility. Healthy leaders, unlike the Gentile leaders who take impressive titles for themselves and need to be recognized and to assert their authority over others, will constantly ask themselves: 

In this matter, am I seeking or promoting my greatness, attempting to prove my worth?

Does this attitude, action, or word further my reputation or God’s glory? 

Leading as Servants

At one level, the Apostles ask a fair question regarding the greatest among them. Someone needs to step into the leadership void created by Jesus’ departure, and commonsense dictates that it ought to be one of those whom he chose to walk so closely beside him. Every organization needs a leader- kings rule countries, generals command armies, presidents guide universities, CEOs direct corporations, and shepherds lead flocks. Jesus acknowledges the concept of greatness and the role of leaders in v.26: 

Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.  

These two callings, leading and serving, are not in competition, conflict, or contradiction. In the heart of Jesus, they exist in perfect harmony, revealing a God who is simultaneously both king, Leader of leaders, and servant par excellence (Isaiah 42:1f; Luke 4:18) to his people by providing, directing, protecting, defending, promoting and empowering them, condescending as the Lord on high to regard the lowly (Psalm 138:6) and whose gentleness made me great (Psalm 18:35). 

Jesus our Servant-leader

Jesus is revealed vividly as a servant-leader in his role as the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Ez.34:11f; Micah 5:4; John 10). He guides, protects, and feeds his flock as their leader; yet, because all of this results in their welfare, he does so to bring good to them, the explicit ambitions of a servant, by leading his flock beside still waters, into green pastures, in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, and even through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). As a servant, his heart pants after their welfare, not his own, proven by his serving them in the greatest way possible, at the immeasurable expense of his own well-being. He laid down his life for the sheep to accomplish their redemption (John 10:11). Jesus became nothing less than a lamb led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). Just as Jesus is both lamb and shepherd (Rev.7:17), so servant-leaders are both Jesus’ lambs (and thus because he sacrificed all for their eternal welfare they too are willing to sacrifice all for the flock), and his shepherds (Psalm 78:70-72). 

“Not So With You” Leadership

What principles of servant-leadership do we learn from Luke 22:24-27? How does a not so with you church elder exercise his God-given authority? 

Servant-leaders regard themselves in relation to others as the least. 

Like servants, with a watchful eye toward serving others’ needs, they seek to bear the burden of their sheep’s welfare, asking not, “What can they do for me?” but rather, “How can my resources be used for their benefit.” 

They regard others as Paul exhorts us: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more important than yourself…4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.  (Phil.2:3-4) 

Servant-leaders also regard themselves in relation to others as the youngest. 

The word as is key, meaning in like manner; it is the way they lead that is in view. Servant-leaders willingly become in their mindset as the youngest, who, by definition, can’t demand things of their superiors, implicitly trust in their providers, know they need correction, have to abide by the rules, look for someone greater to emulate, have to wait for exaltation, defer to those more experienced, yield to the will of the group, and possess very limited rights (just as in our culture children cannot vote, drive, or purchase certain commodities until coming of age). Godly leaders give up the right to be autonomous decision-makers; they understand their limitations, their dependence, their lack of omniscience, and their need for others, seeking to make decisions in consultation with their peers. A longtime friend, who ascended to the highest ranks in Bank of America leadership, explained to me that he always asked his colleagues to critique his thinking, and he never made decisions except in collaboration with others on his team. Can church leaders emulate such humility?

Self-conscious Sacrifices

This kind of leader works for a consensus among his fellow co-laborers, believing that collegial unity manifests the mind of Christ. He practices careful listening to the concerns of those around and beneath him. 

To rule as the youngest, i.e., as a child, this leader self-consciously gives up the right:

• to not be challenged or critiqued, thinking I’m always infallible
• to control others, treating them as at my disposal
• to be esteemed as omni-competent, maintaining a polished image
• to self-importance, as if I am more significant than others
• to be seen in a privileged light
• to glory in special titles
• to be the most important guy in the room
• to be viewed as indispensable to the cause
• to have my voice override all others
• to have everyone bow to my whims
• to not serve others, as if serving others was below me
• to not have my performance reviewed, as if I am untouchable

Jesus exhorts leaders to become as the youngest because they are not naturally so inclined, and must intentionally work at it, consciously resisting the allure of the Gentiles’ style of ruling. 

When church leaders rule and shepherd with a not so with you mentality, their flocks will see something of the glory of Jesus and joyfully follow where they lead.

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Mike Sharrett has planted several churches in the PCA and has served as an interim pastor for six churches during the last nine years. He has a burden to help Sessions assess relational and leadership vitality. Mike and his wife Janice love the ocean, walks, and seeing their children and four grandchildren.