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Luke 22

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

What does Luke 22:27 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 22:27 from the King James Version of the Bible addresses the nature of greatness and service. Jesus is speaking, pointing out the common perception that the one who dines at the table is greater than the one who serves.

However, He immediately subverts this assumption by stating He is among His followers as a servant. This teaching emphasizes the inversion of social norms where true greatness is found in humility and servitude, rather than in the traditional roles associated with power and respect.

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Historical Context

Luke 22:27 is part of the account of the Last Supper, a key event before the crucifixion of Jesus.

During that time, societal norms dictated a clear hierarchy where servants were considered lower than their masters.

The act of serving, especially in the context of a meal, was a sign of subservience.

Jesus' message is hence particularly countercultural, challenging the disciples' and contemporary society's ideas of status and greatness.

Theological Insights

Theologically, different denominations and scholars may interpret this verse variously.

However, there is a common understanding that the verse doesn't just invert social norms but also realigns the notion of leadership and greatness in the Kingdom of God as seen through the lens of Christlike humility and service.

Catholic perspective might emphasize the servant-leadership role of the clergy, in imitation of Christ.
Protestant interpretations can focus on the 'priesthood of all believers', where each Christian is called to be a servant to others.
Eastern Orthodox scholars may highlight the kenosis, or self-emptying, embodied by Christ's willingness to serve.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can inspire individuals to:

Seek humility over seeking power or status.
Serve others willingly, even in roles that society might deem as less honorable.
Reevaluate concepts of leadership to include service and care.

Cross-References

Matthew 20:28: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
John 13:14: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
Philippians 2:5-7: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant..."

Language Study

Key words in this verse in the original Greek add depth to the understanding:

"Sitteth at meat" (κατακλινομένος): Reclining at the table, signifying a position of honor.
"Serveth" (διακονῶν): This is where the term 'deacon' originates; it indicates one who waits on tables or serves.
"Among you" (ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν): Physically in the middle; metaphorically at the same level as the disciples, not above them.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient near-eastern context, service was often relegated to the lower social classes.

Religious interpretations within Judaism of the time saw greatness in adherence to the law and religious leadership.

Jesus' message contrasted starkly with the hierarchical structures both in secular Roman society and religious Jewish culture.

Comparison to other ancient myths might draw parallels with leaders or gods who take on lowly forms to interact with humans, but none match the permanent servant role that Jesus espoused.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn't directly relate to scientific disciplines, it does provide insight into psychological and sociological approaches:

Psychological: Ideas of humility and service could be seen as beneficial for mental health, promoting a sense of community and reducing ego.
Sociological: This approach to leadership could impact social dynamics, suggesting less hierarchical and more egalitarian structures.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Luke 22:27 provide diverse reflections:

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights the distinction between Christ's kingdom and worldly kingdoms, focusing on the reversal of roles where the King of kings serves.
The New International Commentary on the New Testament reflects on the symbolic act of Jesus at the Last Supper, indicating that His entire ministry was characterized by service.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses how Jesus set a new paradigm for His followers, encouraging leaders to be servants.

Luke 22

Luke 22

What does Luke 22:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 22:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?