True Leadership in the Kingdom of God - Mar. 9th, 2025
Twelve Ordinary Men; One Extraordinary Mission • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:33:57
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· 6 viewsPastor Walker contrasts a worldly model of leadership with Christ's model of servant leadership.
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Text: Luke 22:24-34
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Title: True Leadership in the Kingdom of God
CIT: In Luke 22:24–34, Jesus corrects His disciples' misunderstanding about greatness, teaching that true greatness in His kingdom is marked not by authority or position, but by humble service to others, as exemplified by Jesus Himself. Christ then reassures His followers of their future reward and positions of honor in His kingdom. However, He also issues a sobering warning to Peter about the severe testing ahead, demonstrating His prophetic insight and gracious intercession. Thus, true greatness among Christ’s followers is found in humility and service, supported by Christ’s sustaining prayers amidst spiritual trials.
Proposition: True greatness in God's kingdom is found in humble service, spiritual perseverance, and reliance on Christ’s intercession.
Major Objective: Ethical (Encouraging godly leadership and faithfulness in trials)
Specific Objective: "I want my hearers to embrace a servant's heart, prepare for spiritual testing, and rely on Christ’s intercession."
Introduction: The Misguided Pursuit of Greatness
Introduction: The Misguided Pursuit of Greatness
A. Opening Illustration:
A. Opening Illustration:
Imagine a group of soldiers sitting in a war room, arguing over who deserves the highest rank—completely unaware that the enemy is at the gates. This is exactly what happened with the disciples in Luke 22:24-34. On the very night before Jesus would go to the cross, they were debating who was the greatest among them.
B. Personal & Social Bridge:
B. Personal & Social Bridge:
This is not just a problem for the disciples—it happens in churches, workplaces, and even in families today. People jockey for position, seek recognition, and crave authority. Yet, in God’s kingdom, true leadership looks entirely different.
C. Textual Bridge:
C. Textual Bridge:
Jesus’ response to His disciples reveals a powerful truth: greatness in the kingdom of God is not about power or status, but about servanthood, perseverance through trials, and dependence on Christ’s intercession.
D. Proposition (Sermon Focus):
D. Proposition (Sermon Focus):
Today, we will see three key lessons from this passage:
1. True leadership is found in servanthood.
2. Every believer, like Peter, will face testing, but failure isn’t final.
3. Jesus intercedes for His own, securing their restoration.
Transitional Statement: Let’s begin by examining how Jesus redefined leadership in contrast to the world’s understanding of greatness.
I. The Mark of True Leadership: Servanthood Over Status (Luke 22:24-27)
I. The Mark of True Leadership: Servanthood Over Status (Luke 22:24-27)
Key Verse: “But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Luke 22:26)
A. The Disciples’ Struggle for Status (v. 24)
A. The Disciples’ Struggle for Status (v. 24)
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
1. The disciples, even in the shadow of the cross, argued over greatness.
2. Illustration: Imagine a hospital where doctors argue about who gets the biggest office while patients die in the halls. That was the disciples’ mistake!
B. Jesus Redefines Leadership (vv. 25-26)
B. Jesus Redefines Leadership (vv. 25-26)
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
1. Worldly leaders seek power, but Kingdom leaders serve.
2. ”Benefactors" (v. 25) were rulers who claimed to serve but used their power for self-glory.
3. Jesus flips the script—greatness is measured by humility, not hierarchy.
C. Jesus’ Own Example (v. 27)
C. Jesus’ Own Example (v. 27)
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
1. “I am among you as He that serveth.”
2. Jesus, the King of Kings, washed feet and cared for outcasts.
a. Application: Pastors & Church Leaders: Serve before expecting to be served.
b. Church Members: Look for ways to serve without seeking recognition.
c. Practical Challenge: Find one way to serve someone this week, especially in a humble task.
Transition Statement: Jesus not only modeled servanthood—He also prepared His disciples for testing.
II. The Reality of Testing: The Sifting of Satan (Luke 22:31-34)
II. The Reality of Testing: The Sifting of Satan (Luke 22:31-34)
Key Verse: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31)
A. Satan’s Request to Sift (v. 31)
A. Satan’s Request to Sift (v. 31)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
1. ”Sift" (σινιάζω, siniázō) = To shake violently, separating wheat from chaff.
2. Illustration: Just as Job was tested by Satan (Job 1:6-12), Peter is now the focus of spiritual warfare.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
B. Peter’s Overconfidence (v. 33)
B. Peter’s Overconfidence (v. 33)
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
1. “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”
2. Lesson: Overconfidence in the flesh leads to failure (cf. 1 Cor. 10:12).
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
a. Application: Be humble in self-assessment—no one is immune to falling.
b. Stay alert to spiritual warfare—temptation often comes where we think we are strongest.
C. Jesus' Prediction and Peter’s Denial (v. 34)
C. Jesus' Prediction and Peter’s Denial (v. 34)
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
1. “Before the rooster crows, thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”
2. Peter’s self-confidence crumbled under pressure.
a. Application: If Peter could fall, so can we.
b. When we fall, will we return to Christ?
Transition Statement: Peter fell, but his story didn’t end in failure—Jesus had already secured his restoration through prayer.
III. The Power of Christ’s Intercession: Strengthened to Restore Others (Luke 22:32)
III. The Power of Christ’s Intercession: Strengthened to Restore Others (Luke 22:32)
Key Verse: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32)
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
A. Christ’s Prayer for Peter (v. 32a)
A. Christ’s Prayer for Peter (v. 32a)
1. Jesus knew Peter would fail, yet prayed for his restoration.
2. Lesson: Our failures don’t define us—Christ’s intercession does (Heb. 7:25).
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
3. Illustration: A coach who believes in his player even after a bad game. Jesus knew Peter’s story wasn’t over!
B. Restoration Leads to Strengthening Others (v. 32b)
B. Restoration Leads to Strengthening Others (v. 32b)
1. “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
2. Peter’s failure became his ministry—he later preached at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41).
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
a. Application: Have you failed spiritually? Christ prays for your restoration!
b. Use past failures to help others grow.
C. Jesus Still Intercedes for Us
C. Jesus Still Intercedes for Us
1. Romans 8:34—“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died… who also maketh intercession for us.”
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
2. Hebrews 4:16—We can boldly approach the throne of grace because Jesus prays for us.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
a. Practical Challenge: Commit to praying for another believer this week.
b. Seek out someone struggling and encourage them.
Conclusion: A Call to Servant Leadership, Faithfulness in Testing, and Trust in Christ’s Intercession
Conclusion: A Call to Servant Leadership, Faithfulness in Testing, and Trust in Christ’s Intercession
A. Recap of Major Ideas:
A. Recap of Major Ideas:
1.True leaders serve, not seek status.
2.Every believer will face testing—but failure isn’t final.
3.Jesus intercedes for His own and restores the fallen.
B. Final Challenge to the Congregation:
B. Final Challenge to the Congregation:
1.Will you choose servant leadership over self-promotion? Find ways to serve without recognition.
2.Are you prepared for spiritual testing? Stay humble, stay watchful, stay in the Word.
3.Do you trust in Christ’s intercession for your restoration? If you have fallen, return to Him today!
C. Closing Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7
C. Closing Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
D. Optional Additions
D. Optional Additions
1. Invitation to Prayer: Open the altar for those who need to surrender pride, seek strength for trials, or accept Christ’s restoration.
2. Hymn Suggestions: "I Surrender All" (for humility and servanthood) or "Jesus Paid It All" (for Christ’s intercession).
Narrative Summary:
The disciples argued among themselves about which one of them should be considered the greatest. Jesus responded by pointing out that in the world, leaders rule over others and enjoy positions of authority and prestige, often seeking praise and special titles like "Benefactor." But He explained to His followers that they must be different. True greatness among His disciples doesn't involve power or privilege. Instead, the one who wants to be truly great should become humble, serving others as if he were the youngest or least important. Jesus gave Himself as the ultimate example of this humility, saying, "I am among you as one who serves."
He then encouraged His disciples by acknowledging that they had remained loyal to Him during His many trials and difficulties. Because of their faithfulness, Jesus promised that just as the Father gave Him a kingdom, He would also give them a kingdom. They would share in close fellowship and honor, eating and drinking at His table, and ruling alongside Him by judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus specifically warned Peter (calling him Simon), saying Satan had demanded permission to test all of them severely, hoping to shake their faith like grain being sifted. Yet Jesus reassured Peter by saying He had personally prayed for him, asking God to keep Peter's faith strong so that even after Peter stumbled, he would return and encourage his fellow believers.
Peter confidently responded that he was ready to follow Jesus, even if it meant imprisonment or death. However, Jesus prophetically warned Peter that, despite his confident claims, before the rooster crowed that very day, Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him.
And so, Peter, having gone now from contention to receiving a stern and prophetic caution from the Lord about his looming failure, can face it knowing that he would not be alone, though he would leave the One he loved to face the cross all alone. The Chief Shepherd is ever mindful of His sheep. Let us follow Jesus' example and teachings on humility and servant-leadership, emulating His faithful care for those who follow Him, knowing assuredly His intercession for us in spiritual battles, and His perfect foreknowledge of all that awaits us on our pilgrimage into His kingdom.
