“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” Luke 22:26

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:11-13

In Luke 22:26 Jesus is talking to his disciples at the last supper. Of course, which must have been exhausting for Jesus, the disciple get into an argument about who’s going to be greatest among them.  Where individuals sat at an ancient Jewish table for a meal mattered. The seating arrangement was highly important.

Jesus knew who was going to betray him, Judas, and yet he gave Judas the seat to his left! This was the seat reserved by the host for the person designated as most honored guest!

In John 15:11-13 we learn how Joy is attached to following Jesus’ commands and that the greatest form of love is to lay down your life for others.

We are also reminded that Jesus is the model for how we are to love others. If he does it for me, how can I love others any differently!

How does Jesus want you to love others?

Be a servant, lay down your life. My dad used to ask women in audience around the world, “How many of you ladies would have a problem submitting to a dead man?”
Extreme example, but it hits the point! You can submit to and serve each other when you feel like the other person has your best interest in mind and isn’t trying to take advantage of you but rather is trying to serve you.

If someone you love is shut down toward you, take the initiative and serve. Serving others is a powerful way to open their spirit back up!

And you serve others regardless of how they are treating you. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him. He knew it! Yet still he gave Judas the seat of most honored guest out of all the disciples for the last supper.