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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just stating a fact about gentile rulers; he's highlighting how their power is characterized by oppression and self-serving authority. This sharply contrasts with the leadership style he's about to reveal for his own kingdom, where greatness is found in service, not domination.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just revealed to his disciples for the third time that he is going to Jerusalem to suffer and die, but their minds are still on earthly power. The mother of James and John makes a presumptuous request for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in his kingdom, which angers the other disciples. Jesus then calls them all together to explain that true greatness in his kingdom is found not in lording over others, but in serving them, contrasting this with the domineering style of Gentile rulers.
Jesus points to the familiar world of kings and rulers to make a crucial point. What kind of power did they wield, and why does it matter for understanding His kingdom?
Jesus draws a stark contrast between the kingdoms of this world and His own. He highlights how rulers among the Gentiles – all non-Jewish nations – operated.
Dominating Authority
This was the established norm: power meant domination, self-interest, and the exercise of authority for personal gain. Jesus uses this common understanding to set the stage for what His kingdom is not about.
After describing the common way of worldly rulers, Jesus pivots. How does He redefine 'greatness' and 'authority' within His own kingdom?
Jesus is not just pointing out the flaws of Gentile rulers; He's setting up an entirely different paradigm for His own followers. The very concepts of power and authority are re-imagined.
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The Anti-Power Principle
Jesus immediately follows this observation with a powerful declaration: 'It shall not be so among you' (Matthew 20:26). This isn't a suggestion; it's a fundamental redefinition.
This completely subverts the disciples' (and our) natural inclination towards seeking status and recognition. It calls for humility and a radical focus on the needs of others.
Understand the original words
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.
Jesus' words directly contrast the power dynamics of the Roman world his listeners knew with the radically different ethos of his own kingdom, where authority is defined by service, not dominance.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Imperial Rule
The disciples lived under the vast and powerful Roman Empire, where rulers (governors, centurions, and the Emperor himself) wielded absolute authority, often with harshness and a focus on maintaining their own power and privilege.
c. 1st century AD
Jewish Hopes for a Messiah
Many Jews eagerly anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a Davidic kingdom, often envisioning a powerful, earthly king who would bring glory and dominion to Israel.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
During his public ministry, Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the Kingdom of God, which presented a radical alternative to earthly power structures and societal norms. His teachings often challenged conventional ideas of leadership and status.
c. AD 30— this verse
James and John's Request
In the context of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem and his foreknowledge of his impending suffering and death, his disciples James and John (or their mother on their behalf) made an ambitious request for the highest positions of honor and authority in his coming kingdom.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Teaching on Service
Jesus responded to the disciples' request by contrasting the gentile model of lording authority with the servant leadership expected in his kingdom, emphasizing that true greatness comes from serving others.
This passage directly follows Jesus' teaching on humility in Matthew 20 and shows the disciples still struggling with pride and arguing about who was the greatest, highlighting the persistent human tendency Jesus was addressing.
John 13:14Jesus, after washing the disciples' feet, tells them, 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.' This directly illustrates the principle Jesus is teaching in Matthew 20:25 by His own example of serving.
Philippians 2:5This verse calls believers to have 'the same mindset that was in Christ Jesus,' which is a mindset of humility and service, directly contrasting with the Gentile rulers' exercise of authority mentioned in Matthew 20:25.
1 Peter 5:2-3Peter echoes Jesus' teaching by urging elders not to 'lord it over' those in their care but to be examples. This shows how the principle against domineering leadership extends to the early church leadership.
barnesMatthew 20:25: "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them."
But Jesus called them unto him - That is, he called all the apostles to him, and stated the principles on which they were to act. The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them - That is, over their subjects. "You know that such honors are customary among nations. The kings of the earth raise their favorit…
henryMatthew 20:20-28: "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."
20:20-28 The sons of Zebedee abused what Christ said to comfort the disciples. Some cannot have comforts but they turn them to a wrong purpose. Pride is a sin that most easily besets us; it is sinful ambition to outdo others in pomp and grandeur. To put down the vanity and ambition of their request, Christ leads them to the thoughts of their sufferings. It i…
Jesus isn't just stating a fact about gentile rulers; he's highlighting how their power is characterized by oppression and self-serving authority. This sharply contrasts with the leadership style he's about to reveal for his own kingdom, where greatness is found in service, not domination.
Jesus has just revealed to his disciples for the third time that he is going to Jerusalem to suffer and die, but their minds are still on earthly power. The mother of James and John makes a presumptuous request for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in his kingdom, which angers the other disciples. Jesus then calls them all together to explain that true greatness in his kingdom is found not in lording over others, but in serving them, contrasting this with the domineering style of Gentile rulers.
Jesus has just revealed to his disciples for the third time that he is going to Jerusalem to suffer and die, but their minds are still on earthly power. The mother of James and John makes a presumptuous request for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in his kingdom, which angers the other disciples. Jesus then calls them all together to explain that true greatness in his kingdom is found not in lording over others, but in serving them, contrasting this with the domineering style of Gentile rulers.
"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." — Jesus isn't just stating a fact about gentile rulers; he's highlighting how their power is characterized by oppression and self-serving authority. This sharply contrasts with the leadership style…
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Last reviewed October 2026