- Bartholomew, James (son of Alphaeus) and Andrew form a group of three, all are surprised.
- Judas Iscariot, Peter and John form another group of three. Judas is wearing green and blue and is in shadow, looking rather withdrawn and taken aback by the sudden revelation of his plan. He is clutching a small bag, perhaps signifying the silver given to him as payment to betray Jesus, or perhaps a reference to his role within the 12 disciples as treasurer. He is the only person to have his elbow on the table; traditionally a sign of bad manners. Peter looks angry and is holding a knife pointed away from Christ, perhaps foreshadowing his violent reaction in Gethsemane during Jesus' arrest. The youngest apostle, John, appears to swoon.
- Thomas, James the Greater and Philip are the next group of three. Thomas is clearly upset; James the Greater looks stunned, with his arms in the air. Meanwhile, Philip appears to be requesting some explanation.
- Matthew, Jude Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot are the final group of three. Both Jude Thaddeus and Matthew are turned toward Simon, perhaps to find out if he has any answer to their initial questions.
As the twelve disciples wondered among themselves which of them would ever do such a thing, they began to argue among themselves as to who would have the highest rank (i.e. who among them was considered to be the greatest). Jesus told them,
"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them called themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." - Luke 22:23-27.
Thought for the day: Leadership
Leadership: The world's system of leadership is very different from leadership in God's kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top (some kings in the ancient world gave themselves the title "Benefactor"). But among the Christians, the leader is to be one who serves best. There are different styles of leadership - some lead through public speaking, some through administring, some through relationships - but every Christian leader needs a servant's heart.
In the gospel of John (13:4-15), it was recorded that in the course of the evening meal, Jesus got up, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him... When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?", he asked them. "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
Servant Leader: Jesus was the model servant, and he showed his servant attitude to his disciples. Washing guests' feet was a job for a household servant to carry out when the guest arrived. But Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist, as the lowliest servant would do, and washed and dried his disciples' feet. He not only lead by serving, he also lead by showing - leadership by example.
This is not a comfortable passage for leaders who find it hard to serve those beneath them.
Reflection: How do you treat those who work under you?
Source: LAB
