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Luke 22:25 (BSB)
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.” — Luke 22:25
In this moment, Jesus is sharing a powerful truth about leadership. He’s pointing out how worldly leaders often act like they’re the big shots, throwing their weight around, and being called 'benefactors' as if they’re doing everyone a favor. Imagine being in a room where the top dogs are flaunting their power and calling themselves helpers. But here’s the kicker: Jesus is flipping that idea on its head. He’s challenging you to think about what true leadership really means. It’s not about lording over others; it’s about serving. Feel the weight of that thought—what does it mean to you to lead by serving rather than by dominating?
This book was written by Luke, a guy who wasn’t one of the original twelve disciples but was a close companion of Paul. He was a doctor and had a keen eye for detail. Luke included this specific detail because he wanted to show that Jesus was redefining what leadership and greatness look like. He wasn’t just documenting events; he was capturing the essence of Jesus’ revolutionary teaching, making it clear that the kingdom Jesus spoke about turns worldly values upside down. Luke’s perspective invites you to see through the lens of compassion and service, which he found so compelling.
When Luke wrote this, the Roman Empire was the dominant force, and power dynamics were all around. Leaders were often tyrants, and the common people had little say. In this environment, Jesus’ words would have sounded radical—his call to serve instead of dominate was revolutionary. Picture a world where authority is misused and people are oppressed, and then hear Jesus saying that true greatness lies in serving others. It’s a stark contrast to the values of the time, making his message incredibly relevant then and now.
This specific verse matters for you today because it challenges you to rethink how you approach leadership and relationships. Whether at work, in your community, or even in your family, you have an opportunity to lead by serving others rather than asserting dominance. Think about your interactions—are you looking to uplift and support those around you, or are you caught up in the competition for power? This teaching invites you to cultivate a heart of service, which can transform relationships and create a positive ripple effect in your life and those you touch.
Take a moment this week to identify one area in your life where you can lead by serving. Maybe it’s volunteering for a community project, helping a colleague with their workload, or simply being more present and supportive in your relationships. Set a goal to perform an act of service without expecting anything in return. Then, reflect on how that feels and what impact it has on others. This is your chance to practice the kind of leadership Jesus talked about, creating a culture of kindness and support around you!
This verse drops into a moment of tension as Jesus is preparing for his final hours before his crucifixion. His disciples are arguing about who among them is the greatest, which is such a relatable thing—everyone wants to feel important. Jesus steps in to set the record straight, reminding them that greatness in his eyes isn’t about power or prestige but about humility and serving others. This moment is pivotal because it shifts the entire vibe of what it means to follow him. It’s not just about gathering followers; it’s about how you treat those around you. This teaching leads into the deeper themes of sacrifice and love that will unfold in the days to come.
What does it look like for you to lead by serving others in your everyday life, and how might that change your relationships?
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