Matthew 20:25
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)
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Jesus highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership – seeking power and authority – mirrors the oppressive systems of the Gentile world, not the kingdom He's establishing. The original Greek words used convey not just ruling, but a harsh, absolute domination and overbearing authority, revealing the stark contrast with true spiritual leadership.
Following a request from James and John for prominent positions in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples to address their misguided understanding of greatness. He contrasts worldly power, where rulers dominate and exercise authority, with the unique nature of his kingdom. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach that true leadership in his kingdom is found in service, not in lording over others.
What does it mean to 'lord it over' someone? Jesus uses this familiar imagery to contrast worldly power with His kingdom's values. Discover the sharp difference he highlights.
Jesus calls His disciples to attention, referencing the common understanding of leadership in the Roman and other Gentile empires.
Power Over People
Jesus immediately pivots from describing worldly rulers to explaining how greatness truly functions in His kingdom. It’s a radical redefinition that flips our common assumptions upside down.
Jesus isn't just describing Gentile rulers to paint a picture; He's setting up a stark contrast with the way things work in God's kingdom.
The Upside-Down Economy of Heaven
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.
The disciples' ambition reflects the pervasive cultural understanding of power and authority found in the surrounding gentile empires, where greatness was measured by dominance and control. Jesus contrasts this sharply with the servant leadership that defines His kingdom.
c. 330 BC
Alexander the Great's Empire
Alexander's conquests spread Hellenistic culture and political models across the Near East, establishing a precedent for powerful, centralized rule and the concept of rulers being divinely favored or even gods.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
The Roman Republic conquered Judea, imposing its own political structures and authority. This marked the beginning of direct foreign rule and a complex relationship between Jewish leaders and Roman governors.
c. 20 BC - AD 14
Reign of Augustus Caesar
As the first Roman Emperor, Augustus consolidated power and established a period of relative peace (Pax Romana). His rule exemplified the absolute authority and imperial grandeur common in gentile empires, which the disciples, even Jewish ones, were familiar with.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
During this period, Jesus taught, healed, and gathered disciples. The popular expectation among many Jews was for a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a Davidic kingdom, likely mirroring the power structures of gentile nations.
This passage shows Jesus directly addressing the same earthly concept of 'rulers' and 'those in authority' among his disciples, contrasting it with the humble service he calls them to, mirroring the sentiment in Matthew 20:25.
1 Peter 5:2-3Peter, echoing Jesus' teaching, warns elders not to 'lord it over' their charges, directly referencing the oppressive authority Jesus contrasts with Christian leadership in Matthew 20:25.
Philippians 2:5-7This passage describes Christ Jesus himself as the ultimate example of humility, taking 'the form of a servant,' which is the antithesis to the Gentile rulers' dominion that Jesus points out in Matthew 20:25.
Mark 10:42-43This parallel account provides further context to Jesus' teaching, explicitly stating that those who wish to be great among the disciples should become servants, directly contrasting with the Gentile model presented in Matthew 20:25.
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 highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership – seeking power and authority – mirrors the oppressive systems of the Gentile world, not the kingdom He's establishing. The original Greek words used convey not just ruling, but a harsh, absolute domination and overbearing authority, revealing the stark contrast with true spiritual leadership.
Following a request from James and John for prominent positions in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples to address their misguided understanding of greatness. He contrasts worldly power, where rulers dominate and exercise authority, with the unique nature of his kingdom. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach that true leadership in his kingdom is found in service, not in lording over others.
Following a request from James and John for prominent positions in his kingdom, Jesus gathers all his disciples to address their misguided understanding of greatness. He contrasts worldly power, where rulers dominate and exercise authority, with the unique nature of his kingdom. This sets the stage for Jesus to teach that true leadership in his kingdom is found in service, not in lording over others.
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c. AD 30
James and John's Request
The sons of Zebedee, James and John, ask Jesus to grant them the highest positions of honor and authority in his coming kingdom, reflecting their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and their ingrained cultural ideas about power.
"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 highlights that the disciples' understanding of leadership – seeking power and authority – mirrors the oppressive systems of the Gentile world, not the kingdom He's establishing. The original G…
