Matthew 20:24-28
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The ten were indignant not because they were purely righteous, but because they felt their own ambitious desires were being thwarted by James and John's request. They weren't necessarily opposed to seeking greatness, but they were upset that these two brothers had put in their bid first.
And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus had predicted his suffering and death, and the mother of James and John approached him with her sons, asking for them to sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. When the other ten disciples overheard this ambitious request, they became angry, not at Jesus, but at the two brothers for trying to get ahead.
When the other ten disciples heard about James and John's request, they weren't just annoyed; they were indignant! What does their reaction tell us about their own hearts?
The indignation of the ten disciples wasn't a sign of their moral superiority. Instead, it revealed that they were harboring the same ambitious desires as James and John.
Jesus used the disciples' indignation as a teachable moment. How did He flip their understanding of leadership and greatness on its head?
Instead of scolding the ten for their reaction, Jesus seized the opportunity to redefine what true greatness looks like in His kingdom. He contrasts worldly leadership with His own revolutionary model.
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Understand the original words
aganakteō · Greek Verb
A state of being deeply displeased, angry, or annoyed, often resulting from a sense of injustice or perceived unfairness. In this context, it reflects the disciples' worldly ambition and competitive spirit rather than righteous indignation.
ethnos · Greek Noun
A general term for non-Jewish people, or nations outside the covenant people of Israel. In the New Testament, it often denotes those outside the sphere of saving knowledge and the righteousness of God.
katakyrieuō · Greek Verb
To rule, dominate, or master someone in an overbearing or oppressive manner. It describes the exercise of power that is self-serving and devoid of the sacrificial love commanded by Christ.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power or right to act, command, or influence others. In the biblical context, true authority is derived from God and is intended to be used for the benefit and service of others, as modeled by Christ, rather than for personal gain.
diakonos · Greek Noun
A person who renders service to another; in a NT context, it often implies a humble position of ministry to others for the sake of the Gospel and the Kingdom.
doulos · Greek Noun
A person who is the property of a master, serving without personal rights; used metaphorically for a believer's total submission and devotion to Christ.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus to describe Himself, emphasizing His humanity while also referencing the apocalyptic figure in Daniel 7 who receives authority and glory from God.
lytron · Greek Noun
The price paid to redeem or buy back something from slavery or captivity; theologically, the death of Christ as the payment required to set believers free from the bondage of sin.
This incident highlights the disciples' deep-seated ambition for earthly power and status, mirroring the political rivalries of the Roman world they lived in, even as Jesus redirects them toward a kingdom of service.
c. AD 28
Jesus calls twelve apostles
Jesus selects twelve men from his followers to be his closest disciples and to help spread his message.
c. AD 29
Jesus predicts his death
Jesus explicitly tells his disciples that he will be arrested, suffer, and be killed, but the disciples do not fully grasp the meaning.
c. AD 29— this verse
Request of James and John
The mother of James and John asks Jesus to grant her sons the places of highest honor in his kingdom. Jesus asks if they can 'drink the cup' he is about to drink.
c. AD 29
The ten are indignant
When the other ten apostles hear of James and John's request, they become angry, revealing their own similar ambitions for status.
c. AD 29
Jesus teaches about true greatness
Jesus explains that true greatness in his kingdom is found in humble service, not in worldly power or authority, using his own impending sacrifice as the ultimate example.
This passage shows a similar dispute among the disciples about who was considered the greatest, highlighting a recurring theme of ambition and jealousy within the group, mirroring the indignation felt by the ten in Matthew 20:24.
Philippians 2:3Paul's instruction to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves' directly contrasts with the mindset that led to the disciples' indignation, showing the ideal Christian attitude.
1 Corinthians 1:10This verse calls for unity and agreement among believers, standing in stark opposition to the divisions and envy that arose from the disciples' ambition, as seen in their reaction to the Zebedee brothers.
Galatians 5:26The call not to 'become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another' directly addresses the root of the ten disciples' indignation, revealing the sinful pride at play.
barnesMatthew 20:24: "And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren."
The ten heard it - That is, the ten other apostles. They were moved with indignation - They were offended at their ambition, and at their desire to be exalted above their brethren. The word "it" refers not to what Jesus said, but to their request. When the ten heard the request which they had made they were indignant.
bensonMatthew 20:24: "And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren."
Matthew 20:24-28 . And when the ten heard it — It is likely they overheard the conversation; they were moved with indignation — Being not only equally desirous, but in their opinion equally deserving of the principal posts, they took it exceedingly amiss that Zebedee’s sons should have been so arrogant, and, it seems, expressed their resentment in words. But Jesus called them unto him, &c. — J…
The ten were indignant not because they were purely righteous, but because they felt their own ambitious desires were being thwarted by James and John's request. They weren't necessarily opposed to seeking greatness, but they were upset that these two brothers had put in their bid first.
Just before this, Jesus had predicted his suffering and death, and the mother of James and John approached him with her sons, asking for them to sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. When the other ten disciples overheard this ambitious request, they became angry, not at Jesus, but at the two brothers for trying to get ahead.
Just before this, Jesus had predicted his suffering and death, and the mother of James and John approached him with her sons, asking for them to sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. When the other ten disciples overheard this ambitious request, they became angry, not at Jesus, but at the two brothers for trying to get ahead.
"And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so a…" — The ten were indignant not because they were purely righteous, but because they felt their own ambitious desires were being thwarted by James and John's request. They weren't necessarily opposed to s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
