Luke 22:26-27

22:26 Not so with you; ¹  instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader ²  like the one who serves. ³  22:27 For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, ⁴  or the one who serves? Is it not ⁵  the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one ⁶  who serves.

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¹ tn Grk “But you are not thus.”

² tn Or “the ruler.”

³ sn And the leader like the one who serves. Leadership was not to be a matter of privilege and special status, but of service. All social status is leveled out by these remarks. Jesus himself is the prime example of the servant-leader.

⁴ tn Grk “who reclines at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

⁵ tn The interrogative particle used here in the Greek text (οὐχί, ouci) expects a positive reply.

⁶ sn Jesus’ example of humble service, as one who serves, shows that the standard for a disciple is different from that of the world. For an example see John 13:1-17.