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25 So[a] Jesus[b] said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’[c] 26 Not so with you;[d] instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader[e] like the one who serves.[f] 27 For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table,[g] or the one who serves? Is it not[h] the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one[i] who serves.

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 22:25 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the dispute among the apostles.
  2. Luke 22:25 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  3. Luke 22:25 sn The title ‘benefactor,’ highlighting grace and meaning something like “helper of the people,” was even given to tyrants (2 Macc 4:2; 3 Macc 3:19; Josephus, J. W. 3.9.8 [3.459]).
  4. Luke 22:26 tn Grk “But you are not thus.”
  5. Luke 22:26 tn Or “the ruler.”
  6. Luke 22:26 sn And the leader like the one who serves. Leadership was not to be a matter of privilege and special status, but of service. All social status is leveled out by these remarks. Jesus himself is the prime example of the servant-leader.
  7. Luke 22:27 tn Grk “who reclines at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
  8. Luke 22:27 tn The interrogative particle used here in the Greek text (οὐχί, ouchi) expects a positive reply.
  9. Luke 22:27 sn Jesus’ example of humble service, as one who serves, shows that the standard for a disciple is different from that of the world. For an example see John 13:1-17.