“For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat?”
The full verse · Luke 22:27 · KJV
is , he that sitteth at , he that ? is he that sitteth at ? he that .
Asked by
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, at the Passover table with the twelve the night before His death (Luke 22:14-15)
Asked to
Disciples: "the twelve apostles" (Luke 22:14), at the table with Jesus, among whom "there was also a strife" about "which of them should be accounted the greatest" (Luke 22:24)
The Scene
At the Last Supper, right after Jesus spoke of the one who would betray Him, "there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest" (Luke 22:21-24).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThe disciples were arguing about rank at the very table where Jesus had just given them the bread and the cup. Jesus first contrasted the kings of the Gentiles with the way His followers must live (Luke 22:25-26). Then He asked a question everyone could answer. At a dinner, the guest who reclines is greater than the one who waits on him. The first question asks them to admit how the world ranks people. The second states the world's answer. Then Jesus turns it upside down with Himself: "but I am among you as he that serveth."
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus answered His own questions. Yes, by ordinary standards the one at the table is greater: "is not he that sitteth at meat?" Then He gave the answer that changes everything: "but I am among you as he that serveth" (Luke 22:27). He went on to honor the disciples who had "continued with me in my temptations" and promised them a place at His table in His kingdom (Luke 22:28-30). Luke records no reply from the disciples.
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsAt a meal, guests reclined at table while servants brought food and drink. The Greek words here picture that scene: anakeimenos, reclining at table, and diakonon, serving. Thayer defines the verb diakoneo as "to wait at table and offer food and drink to the guests." It is the root of the later word "deacon."
The disciples' quarrel came from their hopes for the kingdom. Barnes says they expected the Messiah to be a temporal prince with offices to give, so they argued over who would be greatest. Jesus said the kings of the Gentiles "are called benefactors" (Luke 22:25); Barnes notes this title was given to kings as flattery, though not all deserved it.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyThis question shows what kind of King Jesus is. He is the Lord, yet He places Himself among His friends as the one who serves. Barnes says, "He that would be most advanced in 'his' kingdom would be he that was most humble," and points to the night Jesus "took a towel and girded himself" and washed the disciples' feet (John 13:4-5). Gill says the same: Christ "took upon him the form of a servant, and instead of being ministered unto, ministered to others."
The timing makes it even clearer. Jesus had just said, "This is my body which is given for you" (Luke 22:19). The greatest act of service was only hours away. Matthew Henry puts it simply: "to do good is much more honourable than to look great." In God's kingdom, greatness is measured by love that serves.
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord Jesus, You are among us as one who serves; where are You inviting me to stop measuring my place and start serving like You?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- The disciples argued about greatness at the Lord's table. What subtle ways does the desire to be seen as important show up in your life?
- Tell about someone who served you quietly and showed you what Jesus is like.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Your worth in God's kingdom is not measured by the seat you hold. Jesus, the greatest, chose to be among His friends "as he that serveth."
This turns ordinary life into a place of honor. Clearing a table, caring for someone who cannot repay you, doing the unseen work: these are the places where you look most like Jesus.
This does not mean leadership is wrong. Jesus speaks of "he that is greatest among you" and "he that is chief" (Luke 22:26). Leaders are still needed. The difference is that in His kingdom they lead by serving, not by lording it over others (Luke 22:25-26).
Notice too that Jesus did not reject the disciples after their quarrel. He corrected them and then honored their faithfulness (Luke 22:28-30). When you catch yourself grasping for position, He still welcomes you back to His table. Scripture's own application: John 13:14-15
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources