Bible Chapter: Luke 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This is a long chapter.  Jesus talked to His disciples about true greatness.  His definition included service, which comes out of humility.  As I think of this it is obvious to me that our world today is not concerned with greatness, even a skewed version of it.  Our world today is concerned with fame.  People want to be famous and will do anything to become well known.  We even have celebrities who are famous for being famous.  They haven’t done anything particularly valuable to gain their fame, they simply have good PR people.  Sadly, that itch for fame even infiltrates the church.  I receive many ads for concerts and large meetings.  The promo is slick and promoting the personalities that will perform.  It makes me wonder about the true greatness Jesus talked about.
    This chapter also gives ample illustration of the intense spiritual battle that believers face.  Jesus told the disciples they would face it, and some of them would even fail the test.  Jesus sweat blood in the garden.  Judas left Jesus to the point of becoming a traitor.  Jesus was mocked.
    What should be done in the battle?  Jesus prayed.  He told Peter He prayed for him that he would remain strong.  Jesus prayed as He faced arrest and crucifixion.  The easiest thing to avoid is prayer.  To win the battle, believers need to step up and pray both individually and corporately.  There is power in prayer. There is encouragement in praying together.  Things happen as a result of prayer.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Judas was a part of the inner circle.  I’m sure that millions of people have said how much they would like to have been a part of that inner group and experience all the personal teaching from Jesus and have a front row seat to witness the miracles.  Judas had all of this.  And yet, he grew cold towards Jesus to the point where Satan entered him.  Money became more important to him.  I, and every believer, must keep spiritual focus to stay close to Jesus.  In the midst of struggles it is easy to forget the eternal and take the short route, that appears easy at the time.  The truth is that this is the hard and long route to problems.
    It is easy to become discouraged by all the trials and sin in the world.  The closer I stay to Jesus the more encouragement and victory I will have in the long run.
    I have been the recipient of the prayers of many people.  My prayer life need to continue to grow. Yes, I pray.  I need to pray more, simply because it is the place where the battle is fought and won.

3.  How can I help someone?
Luke 22:25-27 NKJV
25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”