Luke 22:24

Strife. [Washing the Disciples’ Feet, Luke 22:24-30=John 13:1-20. Major comment: John.] Literally, “contention,” implying a combative spirit and eagerness to contend. This undercurrent of discord seems to have been going on all during the Passover meal. The account in Luke explains the occasion that gave birth to the ordinance of humility, recorded by John. In view of events so soon to occur, it was tragic that the disciples should have been arguing about rank in an imaginary kingdom that Christ did not come to establish. Basically it was the disciples’ misconception of the nature of Christ’s kingdom that, as upon previous occasions (see Matt. 18:1; 20:21; Mark 9:33-35; Luke 9:46-48), had given rise to the argument of relative greatness. Concerning the false concepts entertained by the Jews, and to some extent by the disciples even after the resurrection, about the nature of the Messianic kingdom, see on ch. 24:19. Judas had grasped for himself one place of honor, on Jesus’ left, and John was on His right (DA 644).

The greatest. For comment see on Matt. 18:1-10; Matt. 20:25, 26. The disciples were thinking of their rank in the kingdom they thought Christ was about to establish on earth.