The Monday after Invocavit Sunday
Posted on February 23, 2026 by under
Scripture: St. Luke 22:24-32 (NKJV)
22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you 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! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Devotion
The devil uses different means to ensnare us in sinfulness. His temptations vary according to the situation and the man. Our Lord silenced the devil when He was tempted. He used the Word of God to defeat the devil. The Apostles, on the night of our Lord’s Last Supper, were entrapped by the devil’s temptation. They argued among themselves over who was the greatest. In such a case, those who were of a lesser degree most likely did not want to give way to those of a higher degree, and those of a higher degree did not want to relinquish that place of honor. The Apostles were still thinking our Lord would be establishing an earthly kingdom, and they tussled over who would be in what position.
Our Lord Jesus, like with the devil, rebukes the Apostles. He uses the promises that are proclaimed in the holy Scriptures. They will be bestowed with a kingdom. This will not be an earthly kingdom, but a heavenly and eternal kingdom. This should be the prize for which they fight and strive. This kingdom is ruled by the Lord Jesus, given to Him by His Father. In this kingdom He invites all those who cling to Him in faith to sit down and eat with Him. They have a place at the table. Therefore, the temptation that the devil uses to lead the Apostles into sin is rendered invalid, for there is promised something greater than earthly positions of authority. There is promised an eternal kingdom with our Lord.
Collect: O Lord, mercifully hear our prayer, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to defend us from them that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
