Matthew 20:26-27
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus flips the script on worldly power, revealing that true greatness isn't about ruling over others, but about embracing the role of a "diakonos" – a servant actively engaged in meeting the needs of others. This word choice emphasizes action and humble service over status, showing that in God's kingdom, influence comes from giving yourself away, not from accumulating power.
Just before this, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons the highest positions in His kingdom, which caused the other disciples to get angry. Jesus uses this moment to explain that the leadership in His kingdom works completely differently from the way the Gentile rulers operate. Instead of dominating others, greatness in His kingdom is found in serving, and he goes on to explain that even He, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve.
Ever notice how people in charge in the world often act like they're better than everyone else? Jesus flips that script entirely.
Jesus contrasts the way leaders operate in the world with the way leadership works in His kingdom. In the 'kingdoms of the Gentiles,' rulers exercise authority and expect to be honored. But Jesus says, 'It shall not be so among you.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental redefinition of power and influence. The principles of God's kingdom operate on a different plane, where greatness isn't measured by dominance, but by devotion.
What does it really mean to be 'great'? Jesus gives us a surprising answer that challenges our ambition.
Jesus declares that true greatness in His kingdom is found in service. The one who desires to be 'great' should become a 'servant' (diakonos). This word implies active service and ministry, not just lowly status. It's about dedicating oneself to the needs of others. This is the opposite of worldly ambition, which seeks to be served. Jesus calls us to find our significance not in being elevated above others, but in ministering to them. This is the path to genuine, God-honoring influence.
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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.
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.
This verse arises from a moment of intense ambition among Jesus' closest followers, the disciples. Their desire for status and power within Jesus' future kingdom directly contrasts with the Kingdom's true nature, which Jesus reveals as service, not dominance.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Calls Disciples
Jesus calls a group of disciples, including James and John, to follow him, forming the core of his nascent movement.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, often contrasting its values with those of the Gentile world.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Death and Resurrection
Jesus' sacrifice and subsequent resurrection marked the pivotal event in Christian theology, establishing a new covenant.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Development
The early church began to form, grappling with its identity and the practical implications of Jesus' teachings, including leadership roles.
This passage directly parallels the teaching in Matthew 20:26, emphasizing that leadership in God's kingdom is defined by service, not by lording over others. It highlights the contrast between worldly power and Christ's Kingdom values.
Luke 22:26Jesus reiterates this principle to His disciples, contrasting the 'rulers of the Gentiles' who exercise authority with those who would be 'great' among them, urging them to be like 'one who serves.' This reinforces the idea that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in humility and service.
John 13:14Jesus demonstrates this principle by washing His disciples' feet, stating, 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.' This action serves as a powerful, practical example of the servant leadership He is teaching.
Galatians 5:13This verse connects the call to serve with the concept of living by the Spirit, stating, 'For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.' It shows that this humble service is a fruit of spiritual freedom.
Philippians 2:3-7This passage is a profound theological exposition of servant leadership, calling believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.' It points to Christ Himself as the ultimate example, who 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.'
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 flips the script on worldly power, revealing that true greatness isn't about ruling over others, but about embracing the role of a "diakonos" – a servant actively engaged in meeting the needs of others. This word choice emphasizes action and humble service over status, showing that in God's kingdom, influence comes from giving yourself away, not from accumulating power.
Just before this, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons the highest positions in His kingdom, which caused the other disciples to get angry. Jesus uses this moment to explain that the leadership in His kingdom works completely differently from the way the Gentile rulers operate. Instead of dominating others, greatness in His kingdom is found in serving, and he goes on to explain that even He, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve.
Just before this, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons the highest positions in His kingdom, which caused the other disciples to get angry. Jesus uses this moment to explain that the leadership in His kingdom works completely differently from the way the Gentile rulers operate. Instead of dominating others, greatness in His kingdom is found in serving, and he goes on to explain that even He, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve.
"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," — Jesus flips the script on worldly power, revealing that true greatness isn't about ruling over others, but about embracing the role of a "diakonos" – a servant actively engaged in meeting the needs o…
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