Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 22:27

"For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth." — Luke 22:27 (ASV)

Their questions about this treachery leads immediately to the disciples’ argument—shocking on this solemn occasion—about precedence (Mark 10:32–45). The word “considered” (GK 1506) in v.24 is well chosen since status has to do with self-perception and with how one desires to be perceived by others. Jesus replies by reminding the disciples of two objectionable characteristics of secular rulers. First, they “lord it over” others, an attitude Peter later warns elders of (1 Peter 5:3). Second, they are given the title “Benefactor.” In Mt 23:7, Jesus disapproved of a similar kind of status seeking. Actually he himself is the true “Benefactor” (a similar word is used of Jesus in Ac 10:38).

In v.26 “but you” is emphatic. Jesus makes two points about true greatness.

First, one should not seek the veneration given aged people in ancient Near Eastern society but be content with the lower place younger people had. Second, one should not seek the position of the person sitting at a dinner table who had a higher social position than the waiter, who was often a slave. This illustration recalls the example of the Lord Jesus, who washed his disciples’ feet as they reclined at the table of the Last Supper .