Luke 22:24-30

1. Let us observe how firmly pride and love of preeminence can stick to the hearts of Christian men.
2. Let us observe the striking account which our Lord gives of true Christian greatness.
3. Let us observe our Lord's gracious commendation of His disciples.
4. Let us observe what a glorious promise our Lord holds out to His faithful disciples.

"Let us learn to take pleasure in the prosperity of others and to be content with the lowest place for ourselves."

"Usefulness in the world and church, a humble readiness to do anything and put our hands to any good work, a cheerful willingness to fill any post, however lowly, and discharge any office, however unpleasant, if we can only promote happiness and holiness on earth - these are the true tests of Christian greatness."

"If we are true believers, then let us know that He looks at our graces more than at our faults, that He pities our infirmities, and that He will not deal with us according to our sins."

"It is enough for us to know that our Lord promised his eleven faithful ones glory, honor, and rewards far exceeding anything they had done for Him."

Questions:

1. We are warned of pride, and how even those who claim to be humble cannot bear to see an equal of theirs more honored and favored than themselves. When someone else does well or gets promoted or publicly noticed, can we truly rejoice with them, or do we secretly despise them?
2. Ryle says that the true tests of greatness are: usefulness in the world and church, a humble readiness to do anything and put our hands to any good work, a cheerful willingness to fill any post, however lowly, and discharge any office, however unpleasant, if we can only promote happiness and holiness on earth. How do we match up to these tests?
3. Ryle points out that Jesus's words to his disciples, namely that they have stood by him in trials, is most striking when compared to his many rebukes and their many failings. Ryle highlights that He still deals with true believers the same. Does this not make you love Jesus more?
4. Jesus promised the eleven, and promises every believer an eternal kingdom, which will far outweigh anything we can do for Him in this world. Do we have this kingdom promise before us? Does the reality that every deed done in the name of Jesus will be remembered by Him? Let us press on with this in mind!