In Front | Workbook: The Greatest, a Servant – Luke 22:24-27

Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

Read Luke 22:24-27.

In this passage we find the greatest of all—indeed the maker of all things (Col 1:16)—pointing out that the greatest serve. They don’t exercise “lordship” over others. Rather they bring freedom, comfort and healing to others, often at great personal cost. 

This idea has been a cornerstone of the Church from its origins. One of the great martyrs in the early Jerusalem church willingly accepted the role of serving tables (Acts 6:1-6). It turns out he was not only willing and able to serve tables, he was also filled with the Spirit of God to preach. While many may desire to be in the spotlight preaching and teaching, the gifted preacher Stephen was willing to serve.

The early centuries of the Church are filled with many such examples—Christians rescuing orphans, visiting prisoners and nursing the sick. So much so that the last pagan emperor of Rome, Julian, launched a campaign to get pagans to serve the needy. Emperor Julian complained to a pagan high priest: “The impious [Christians] support not only their poor, but ours as well, everyone can see that our people lack aid from us.”

These Christians were simply following the teaching and example of their Savior.

Source: Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity: A sociologist reconsiders history, 1996, p. 84.

Consider the people who have real needs in your home, in your workplace, in your neighborhood and in your church. 

4. How can you follow the example of your Savior to serve others?

5. What people in the various parts of your life have needs that are currently neglected? 

6. List their top needs being neglected in the space below.

7. How will you act to meet those needs? List some actions you want to take in the space below.