Philanekia- Hot Button Issues

"A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest." - Luke 22:24

Way to miss the point, fellas. Luke 22 begins with the dramatic telling of God's story through the Passover, and Jesus even lays Himself out on the table by telling the disciples what was about to take place. And as soon as He does that, a fight breaks out over who is the best.

We would be remiss to believe that the dispute was a fluke. The Greek word for "dispute" is a tough one to translate into English. The word is "philanekia"- a love for arguing (or desire to argue). The way I translate Luke 22:24 is this way: "This (talking about who would betray Jesus) was a hot button issue- who was the greatest."

Nowadays, what isn't a hot button issue? And don't all hot button issues ultimately come down to who is the greatest? Hot button issues, whether political or relational or theological/philosophical, all find their source in "who is the greatest? Who do I follow? Who has the better opinion?"

Jesus comes down decisively to end all debate. But Jesus does not answer the question of who sits by His side in the Kingdom (even Revelation leaves that question up in the air). Jesus comes down decisively to tell His disciples to be different. Roman leaders called themselves "Benefactors" while oppressing and exploiting the people. Labels are generally useless and usually end in self-serving power (see yesterday's post on authority). What Jesus wants from the disciples is servant-hearts that cast aside labels to genuinely help people.

Listening is one of the most powerful tools to serve. Listening declares the worth of the one you are listening too, and declares that the person speaking has some respect and standing in your mind. Listening, and not simply waiting for your turn to speak, actually empowers the mind to be transformed (and doesn't Paul say in Romans that we are all being renewed in our mind?). But when we get set-off emotionally on a hot-button issue, when philanekia rises in our spirit, our ability to think, process and listen reflectively is diminished.

I pray that Jesus cuts in on my philanekia so that I can have a Christlike and servant heart. It's the only way I know how to love my neighbor as myself.