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#1256. Service – The greatest receive and Imitate Jesus’ service (16/4/25)

  • Writer: Matt Beaney
    Matt Beaney
  • Apr 16
  • 5 min read

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we journey through our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series. 


From Luke 22-23, we reflect on how true greatness is found in imitating the cross of Christ. 


You can listen to this devotional below:


‘“I am among you as one who serves.”’ (Luke 22:27b)

True Greatness Reimagined

In the upper room, during the Last Supper, Jesus’ teaching turns our ideas of greatness upside down. While His disciples argue about rank and status, Jesus quietly redefines what it means to be great.

“The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” (Luke 22:26)

In a culture obsessed with power, and status, Jesus shows that the path to true greatness is not up—but down. It's not about grabbing a throne, but picking up a towel and ‘washing feet’. Ultimately, the way of the cross in loving service, modelled on Jesus, is true greatness. 


Jesus: The Serving King (Luke 22:24–27)

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? … But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)

The Servant King shocks the world. He doesn't just teach service—He lives it. He serves in the upper room, He serves in Gethsemane by submitting to the Father’s will, and ultimately, He serves at the cross by giving His life for us.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)“He poured out His life unto death.” (Isaiah 53:12, fulfilled in Luke 23)

This is what cross-like service looks like: self-giving love, total obedience, radical humility.


Following the Pattern of the Cross

In Luke 23, Jesus walks the path of suffering with dignity, love, and forgiveness. He carries the cross, is mocked, beaten, and crucified—yet even in pain, He serves:

  • He speaks comfort to the weeping women (Luke 23:28).

  • He prays for His enemies: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

  • He gives hope to the dying thief: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Even at His lowest, Jesus is serving others! 


Reflection: Becoming Great by Going Low

True greatness if found in imitating the cross of Christ. If we want to be great in the kingdom, we don’t climb higher—we kneel lower. We follow Jesus into the places of sacrifice, humility, and love. Service isn’t glamorous. It often looks like obscurity, patience, and quietly bearing with others. But it is in this that we most resemble Christ.

‘“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”’ (Matthew 20:26)

Let your greatness be seen not in your status but in your service.


Prayer

“Lord Jesus, You are the King who came not to be served, but to serve. You laid down Your life as the ultimate act of love. Teach me to follow in Your footsteps—not chasing status, but embracing sacrifice. Help me to serve like You—with joy, humility, and selflessness. May my life point others to You, the Servant King. Amen.”

Community Group Notes


1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

Please ensure that everyone is aware of the details of our Good Friday Walk. 


2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together


Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.


On Sunday, we explored aspects of Luke 22-23. I encourage you to read this section carefully in your own time and use the devotionals in order to reflect on the important teaching of these chapters. In summary, these two chapters cover:


Luke 22

  • The plot to kill Jesus (Luke 22:1–6)

  • The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23)

  • Who is the greatest (Luke 22:24–30)

  • Jesus predicts Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31–34)

  • Preparation for trouble ahead (Luke 22:35–38)

  • Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39–46)

  • Jesus is arrested (Luke 22:47–53)

  • Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54–62)

  • The guards mock Jesus (Luke 22:63–65)

  • Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66–71)


Luke 23

  • Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:1–5)

  • Jesus before Herod (Luke 23:6–12)

  • Pilate sentences Jesus (Luke 23:13–25)

  • The crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26–43)

  • The death of Jesus (Luke 23:44–49)

  • The burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)

  • 4–49)

  • The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)


In this study, let’s briefly reflect on the salvation of the thief on the cross. Like Him, we’re encouraged to: Put our faith in the one who has true power in life and death. 


Discussion: 

  1. How is Jesus, even in his desolate state, revealed as Lord over all that’s happening?

    Look at examples like Luke 22:10–12, 17–23, 31–34, and 23:44–46. What do these moments show us about his authority and control, even in suffering?

  2. Read Luke 23:32–43. What does the salvation of the thief on the cross reveal about how a person is saved?

    What stands out about this moment of grace? What does it teach us about faith, repentance, and Jesus' power to save?

  3. In what ways is your faith in Jesus being tested or shaken right now?

    How can the events in Luke 22–23 help to steady and restore your faith? What do these chapters remind us about who Jesus is and what he’s done for us?


SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

  • Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from Luke 22-23, which teaches and inspires us in our mission and our approach to it? 

  • Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us. 

  • Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.


Let’s pray together: 

  • Let’s pray for our Easter Service this coming Sunday.

  • Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.



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