Wrestling with Greatness

Luke 22:24-34

1. What’s the difference between the pursuit of excellence and the desire to be the

greatest? Where is the line that separates doing your best from making yourself

look good at the expense of others?

2. What would drive an Olympic athlete to take a drug to win a gold medal but cost

them their life?

Read Luke 22:24–34 (ESV)

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the

greatest.

3. In what areas of your life is the desire for greatness a problem? In your

Marriage? Among siblings? In your workplace?

Read Luke 22:25–27 (ESV)

25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those

in authority over them are called benefactors.

26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and

the leader as one who serves.

27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one

who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

4. Have you ever had someone achieve greatness at your expense?

5. Why did Jesus restrain himself from using His power to be seen as great by

everyone?

6. How did Jesus use His unique identity to serve His followers?

Read Luke 22:28–30 (ESV)

28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials,

29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,

30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the

twelve tribes of Israel.

7. How does Jesus demonstrate true greatness in this verse?

8. How is this different from how the world functions?

Read Luke 22:31–32 (ESV)

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like

wheat,

32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again,

strengthen your brothers.”

9. How does Jesus respond to His followers when they fall?

10. What was Jesus praying for in Simon’s life?

11. Why do you think Jesus used Peter’s birth name, Simon, rather than calling him

Peter?

Read Luke 22:33 (ESV)

33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”

12. Do think Peter truly believed Jesus was going to be imprisoned or be killed?

Luke 22:34 (ESV)

34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three

times that you know me.”

13. Why does Jesus tell Peter what is about to happen?

14. How would seeking to make Jesus great instead of seeking to be great yourself

change your life? What might it cost you? What might be gained?