Luke 22:25

"A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest."

Key Reflection

This dispute over who would be the greatest highlights the disciples' focus on earthly power and honor rather than humility, a contrast that Jesus will soon address by washing their feet and teaching about servant leadership. It underscores the tension between their expectations of the messianic kingdom and Jesus’ self-sacrificial mission.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 25. The kings of the Gentiles. The kings of the nations, or of the earth. They do this, and it is to be expected of them, and it is right. Our Lord does not mean to say that it was wrong that there should be such authority, but that his kingdom was to be of a different character, and they were not to expect it there. Over them. That is, over the nations. Are called benefactors. The word benefactor is applied to one who bestows favour on another. It was applied to kings by way of compliment or flattery. Some of them might have been truly benefactors of their people, but this was by no means true of all. Yet it was applied to all, and especially to the Roman emperors.

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