And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus points out the Gentile rulers don't just "rule," they "lord it over" and "exercise authority," highlighting a style of oppressive, self-serving dominance, not mere leadership. This isn't just about being a boss; it's about a specific, power-abusing way of relating to others that Jesus contrasts with his own kingdom's values.
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Jesus foretells his suffering and death for the third time, the disciples are still caught up in worldly ambitions. James and John have just asked for the highest seats of honor, sparking indignation among the other ten, who clearly harbor the same desires. Jesus calls them together to address this simmering rivalry, contrasting the Gentiles' domineering style of leadership with the radical servant-leadership he calls his followers to embrace.
Ever notice how some people act like they own the place? Jesus points out a common way the world operates, and it's not pretty.
Jesus calls the disciples' attention to how rulers among the Gentiles (non-Jewish peoples) typically wield power. He uses strong words: 'lord it over them' and 'exercise authority.' This isn't just about having power, but about how it's used – often in a domineering, oppressive, and self-serving way. Think of it as the world's default setting for leadership: command and control, where the powerful take what they want and expect obedience without question. This is the system Jesus is contrasting with His own kingdom.
The disciples were fighting over who would be the 'greatest.' Jesus uses their ambition to teach a revolutionary lesson about true leadership.
The disciples' argument about who was greatest reveals a deep-seated desire for status, mirroring the worldly ambition Jesus just described. But Jesus turns their understanding upside down. He says the way to be 'great' in His kingdom isn't by lording it over others, but by becoming a 'minister' (a servant) and the 'servant of all.' This is radical! True greatness in God's eyes is found in humility, service, and putting others’ needs before your own. It’s a complete reversal of the world's definition.
Understand the original words
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archōn · Greek Noun
One who exercises power, control, or sovereignty over a people or territory. In this context, it refers to secular or political leaders who use their status for self-aggrandizement.
katakyrieuō · Greek Verb
To dominate, bully, or exert oppressive control over others. It describes the abusive exercise of power for personal benefit rather than for the good of those led.
Jesus contrasts the power-based rule of the Gentile world with the servant leadership He calls His followers to embrace. This teaching directly challenges the disciples' understanding of greatness, which was influenced by the prevailing Roman political structures of the time.
c. 5 BC - c. AD 30— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus walks the earth, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection. This period forms the direct backdrop for His interactions with the disciples.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with Roman governors and client kings exercising authority. The Gentile model of rulership, characterized by dominion and power, is the prevailing political reality.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is executed by the Romans, and His resurrection is proclaimed by His followers. This event radically redefines concepts of power and leadership within His movement.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Church Expansion
The Gospel spreads rapidly through the Roman Empire, facing persecution and internal challenges. The leadership structures of the early church are being formed.
c. AD 65-70
Writing of the Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is written, likely in Rome, to offer a vivid account of Jesus' life and ministry for a Roman audience. It preserves Jesus' teachings on servant leadership.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching, explicitly stating that Gentile rulers 'exercise authority' and 'lord it over' their people, setting up the contrast for His disciples.
Luke 22:25Luke records Jesus' words here in a similar context, highlighting that those considered rulers among the Gentiles 'lord it over them' and are called 'benefactors,' further emphasizing the worldly nature of such power.
Galatians 5:13This verse speaks to a fundamental principle Jesus is teaching: instead of seeking to 'lord it over' others, believers are called to serve one another, fulfilling the law of love through humility.
Philippians 2:5-7This passage provides the ultimate example Jesus points to: Christ Himself, though divine, did not 'grasp' for authority but 'emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant,' which is the very model for Christian leadership.
calvinMark 10:41-45: "And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John."
- And when the ten heard it, [659] they were displeased with the two brethren. 25. And Jesus called them to him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles rule over them, and they who are great exercise authority over them. 26. It shall not be so among you: but whoever wishes to be great among you, let him be your minister; 27. And he that wishes to be chief among you, let him be your s…
ellicottMark 10:42: "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them."
(42) Exercise lordship. . . . exercise authority. —On the force of the two words, see Note on Matthew 20:25 .
Jesus points out the Gentile rulers don't just "rule," they "lord it over" and "exercise authority," highlighting a style of oppressive, self-serving dominance, not mere leadership. This isn't just about being a boss; it's about a specific, power-abusing way of relating to others that Jesus contrasts with his own kingdom's values.
Just moments after Jesus foretells his suffering and death for the third time, the disciples are still caught up in worldly ambitions. James and John have just asked for the highest seats of honor, sparking indignation among the other ten, who clearly harbor the same desires. Jesus calls them together to address this simmering rivalry, contrasting the Gentiles' domineering style of leadership with the radical servant-leadership he calls his followers to embrace.
Just moments after Jesus foretells his suffering and death for the third time, the disciples are still caught up in worldly ambitions. James and John have just asked for the highest seats of honor, sparking indignation among the other ten, who clearly harbor the same desires. Jesus calls them together to address this simmering rivalry, contrasting the Gentiles' domineering style of leadership with the radical servant-leadership he calls his followers to embrace.
"And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them." — Jesus points out the Gentile rulers don't just "rule," they "lord it over" and "exercise authority," highlighting a style of oppressive, self-serving dominance, not mere leadership. This isn't just a…
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Last reviewed October 2026