Service in the Kingdom of God

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 22:24-38.

The disciples’ questions concerning who would betray Jesus turn into a dispute concerning who is the greatest. As they have throughout Jesus’ ministry, the disciples continue to misunderstand the way Jesus will bring the kingdom of God through His suffering and death. Jesus teaches them that earthly greatness is not a concern in His kingdom; rather, life in the kingdom of God is one of service. The disciples will give that service after Jesus’ ascension as pastors in the early church, even as all Christians continue to serve in their vocations today. Jesus knows that Peter will deny Him, even as Peter denies that such a thing could ever happen. Yet the Lord still seeks to strengthen Peter and all His disciples for the persecution to come. Even though the disciples do not understand at the moment, the Lord will make them His faithful servants after the Holy Spirit is given on Pentecost.

“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.