Luke 22:27

27 for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? and I -- I am in your midst as he who is ministering.

Luke 22:27 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 22:27

For whether is greater
Christ appeals to themselves, and puts a case that is plain and obvious to any one, who is the greater, and more honourable person; he that sitteth at meat;
that sits, or lies down at table, and another waits on him: or he that serveth?
that stands behind, observes orders, and ministers to those that sit down: is not he that sitteth at meat?
you, and every one must own, that he is the greatest, and most honourable person: but I am among you as he that serveth;
Christ took upon him the form of a servant, and instead of being ministered unto, ministered to others; and had very lately, but two days before, gird himself, and took a basin and a towel, and washed and wiped the feet of his disciples: now our Lord, by his own example throughout the whole of his conduct among them, as well as by such a single action, would dissuade from their ambitious views of superiority over each other, and learn of him who was meek and lowly, and by love serve one another.

Luke 22:27 In-Context

25 And he said to them, `The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over them, and those exercising authority upon them are called benefactors;

26 but ye [are] not so, but he who is greater among you -- let him be as the younger; and he who is leading, as he who is ministering;

27 for who is greater? he who is reclining (at meat), or he who is ministering? is it not he who is reclining (at meat)? and I -- I am in your midst as he who is ministering.

28 `And ye -- ye are those who have remained with me in my temptations,

29 and I appoint to you, as my Father did appoint to me, a kingdom,