It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying "don't be bossy"; he's flipping the very definition of "greatness" on its head. He's declaring that true significance isn't found in holding power over others, but in actively choosing to serve them. This isn't about a lowly, subservient role, but a powerful, Christ-like humility that reorients one's entire life.
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments before this, James and John (with their mother) asked Jesus for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, revealing a common struggle for status among the disciples. Jesus uses this request to teach them that true greatness in his kingdom looks nothing like the power-hungry systems of the world; instead, it's defined by humble service to others. He then clarifies that this principle applies to all his followers, not just the apostles, emphasizing that leadership in his kingdom is about ministering, not lording over others.
Jesus' disciples were already showing signs of earthly ambition. How did Jesus flip their understanding of greatness on its head?
The disciples, like many people, were looking at the kingdoms of this world for their model. They saw rulers who exercised authority and were called 'benefactors.' Jesus pointed out that His kingdom works on a completely different principle. In the world's system, greatness is about power, control, and being served. But in God's kingdom, Jesus declared, 'It shall not be so among you.' The very idea of lording it over others is foreign to His reign. Instead, true greatness is found in a spirit of service.
What does it really mean to 'serve' in the way Jesus taught? It's more than just a title.
The Greek word Jesus uses here, 'diakonos,' points to active service. It's not about holding a position of authority, but about engaging in the work of helping and supporting others. This isn't about being subservient in a demeaning way, but about adopting a mindset of humility and active care. The goal is to meet the needs of those around you, to uplift them, and to contribute to their well-being. This kind of service is the path to true greatness in God's eyes.
Jesus didn't just teach about service; He embodied it, even in the face of His own suffering.
The ultimate foundation for this radical concept of greatness through service is Jesus Himself. He pointed to His own mission, stating, 'the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death, was an act of service. He willingly embraced suffering and humility, not for His own gain, but for the redemption of humanity. This is the paradigm shift: true greatness is found in self-giving love and sacrifice, mirroring Christ's own journey.
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Understand the original words
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.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches and chooses twelve apostles
Jesus gathers twelve disciples, including James and John, to be his closest followers and prepares them to carry on his ministry.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples debate greatness
The disciples frequently debated among themselves about who would be the greatest in Jesus' future kingdom, revealing their worldly ambitions.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus predicts his suffering and death
Jesus repeatedly foretold his impending suffering, death, and resurrection, a concept his disciples struggled to grasp.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem for the Passover, knowing his arrest, trial, and crucifixion awaited him.
This passage is the parallel account in Mark's Gospel, directly stating Jesus' teaching that greatness in his kingdom comes through service, reinforcing the core message.
Luke 22:26Luke records Jesus explicitly stating that 'the one who leads should be like one who serves,' directly paralleling the concept of servanthood as the true measure of leadership.
John 13:14Jesus washes the disciples' feet, a powerful practical demonstration of this very principle – that the leader (Jesus) acts as a servant to those he leads, setting the ultimate example.
Philippians 2:5-7This passage describes Christ 'emptying himself' and 'taking the form of a servant,' showing that the path of humble service, as taught in Matthew, is the very path Christ himself walked.
Galatians 5:13Paul encourages believers to 'serve one another humbly in love,' highlighting that this selfless service is the practical outworking of Christian freedom and the antithesis of worldly ambition.
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…
bengelMatthew 20:26: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;"
Matthew 20:26 . Οὐχ οὕτως δὲ ἔσται ἐν ὑμῖν , but it shall not be so among you ) “It appears to me not at all natural to suppose that all use and exercise of civil authority is in this passage utterly forbidden to those to whom these words apply, and much less so that our Lord meant to forbid, by these words, all precedence and inequality amongst His followers, since He Himself bot…
Jesus isn't just saying "don't be bossy"; he's flipping the very definition of "greatness" on its head. He's declaring that true significance isn't found in holding power over others, but in actively choosing to serve them. This isn't about a lowly, subservient role, but a powerful, Christ-like humility that reorients one's entire life.
Just moments before this, James and John (with their mother) asked Jesus for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, revealing a common struggle for status among the disciples. Jesus uses this request to teach them that true greatness in his kingdom looks nothing like the power-hungry systems of the world; instead, it's defined by humble service to others. He then clarifies that this principle applies to all his followers, not just the apostles, emphasizing that leadership in his kingdom is about ministering, not lording over others.
Just moments before this, James and John (with their mother) asked Jesus for the highest seats of honor in his kingdom, revealing a common struggle for status among the disciples. Jesus uses this request to teach them that true greatness in his kingdom looks nothing like the power-hungry systems of the world; instead, it's defined by humble service to others. He then clarifies that this principle applies to all his followers, not just the apostles, emphasizing that leadership in his kingdom is about ministering, not lording over others.
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant," — Jesus isn't just saying "don't be bossy"; he's flipping the very definition of "greatness" on its head. He's declaring that true significance isn't found in holding power over others, but in actively…
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Last reviewed October 2026