Mark 9:35

KJV

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sat down {G2523}, and called {G5455} the twelve {G1427}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, If any man {G1536} desire {G2309} to be {G1511} first {G4413}, the same shall be {G2071} last {G2078} of all {G3956}, and {G2532} servant {G1249} of all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sat down, summoned the Twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all."

Berean Standard Bible

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

American Standard Version

And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 9:35, Jesus confronts the disciples' worldly ambition for status, offering a revolutionary principle of greatness within the Kingdom of God. He teaches that genuine preeminence is found not in self-exaltation, but in embracing the lowest position of service, becoming "last of all, and servant of all," thereby redefining leadership as radical humility and selfless ministry to others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound teaching immediately follows a private dispute among the disciples about who was the greatest, which Jesus overheard as they traveled to Capernaum ([Mark 9:33-34](/mark/9-33-34 "Mark 9:33-34 - Disciples Argue About Greatness")). Jesus's response is not a direct rebuke but a transformative re-education, shifting their focus from worldly hierarchy to divine humility. The subsequent narrative reinforces this theme, as Jesus uses a child to illustrate the humility required to enter the kingdom ([Mark 9:36-37](/mark/9-36-37 "Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name")) and later reiterates the call to service in response to James and John's request for positions of honor ([Mark 10:35-45](/mark/10-35-45 "Mark 10:35-45 - The Request of James and John")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, and even within Jewish society of Jesus's time, honor and status were paramount. Social structures were rigidly hierarchical, and individuals constantly vied for positions of prominence, public recognition, and authority. To be "first" meant holding power, receiving deference, and exercising control over others. The idea of a leader willingly becoming a "servant of all" was utterly counter-cultural and scandalous, challenging deeply ingrained societal norms that valued self-advancement and domination. Jesus's teaching directly subverted these expectations, presenting a radical alternative rooted in divine values.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:35 is central to several major themes in Mark's Gospel. It introduces the **paradox of the Kingdom of God**, where conventional values are inverted: the last are first, and the greatest are servants. This verse is a foundational statement on **servant leadership**, a concept Jesus consistently models and teaches throughout his ministry, culminating in his ultimate act of service on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). It also underscores the absolute necessity of **humility** for true discipleship, a theme echoed in the subsequent teaching about receiving children ([Mark 9:36-37](/mark/9-36-37 "Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child")). The passage implicitly critiques **worldly ambition** and self-seeking, redirecting the disciples' desires toward selfless devotion to God and neighbor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** From G4413, meaning "foremost (in time, place, order or importance)." In this context, it refers to preeminence, highest status, or greatest authority among a group. The disciples were debating who held this position of importance.
* **last (Greek, _éschatos'_):** From G2078, a superlative meaning "farthest, final (of place or time)." Here, it signifies the lowest position, the least esteemed, or one who is at the very end of a social hierarchy.
* **servant (Greek, _diákonos'_):** From G1249, meaning "an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)." This word denotes active, willing service, often in a practical and humble capacity. It implies a posture of ministry to others rather than a mere social designation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them,"**: Jesus's action of sitting down (G2523, _kathízō_) often signifies a posture of authoritative teaching or rabbinic instruction. By calling the twelve (G1427, _dṓdeka_) to him, he indicates that this lesson is specifically for his inner circle, addressing their immediate dispute and laying foundational principles for their future leadership. His direct address (G3004, _légō_) emphasizes the gravity and importance of the truth he is about to impart.
* **"If any man desire to be first,"**: This clause (G1536, _eí tis_ "if any man"; G2309, _thélō_ "desire"; G1511, _eînai_ "to be"; G4413, _prōtos_ "first") directly addresses the disciples' contentious ambition. Jesus acknowledges the human desire for prominence but immediately redefines its proper object and means within the divine economy. The "desire" (G2309, _thélō_) here suggests a deliberate choice or inclination.
* **"the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."**: This is the core paradox and command. The one who seeks to be "first" (G4413, _prōtos_) in God's kingdom must willingly embrace the position of being "last of all" (G2078, _éschatos_ G3956, _pâs_) and, more importantly, become a "servant of all" (G1249, _diákonos_ G3956, _pâs_). This is not merely a passive acceptance of a low status, but an active, intentional posture of humble service to everyone, without exception. The repetition of "of all" (G3956, _pâs_) emphasizes the universal scope of this service.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:35 is rich in **Paradox**, presenting a direct inversion of conventional wisdom. The world values being "first," but Jesus declares that true greatness lies in becoming "last" and a "servant." This creates a striking contrast that challenges the audience's preconceived notions of power and status. The structure of the statement also exhibits elements of **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A'): "first" (A) corresponds to "last" (A'), and the implied desire for "greatness" (B) is fulfilled by becoming a "servant" (B'). This literary technique reinforces the central message by mirroring the opposing concepts. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Didactic Statement**, a direct teaching from Jesus to his disciples, providing a foundational principle for Kingdom living and leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:35 encapsulates a radical redefinition of greatness, shifting it from worldly power and prestige to humble service. This principle is not merely a suggestion but a foundational requirement for those who desire to follow Christ and participate in His kingdom. It reveals that God's economy operates on an entirely different value system than human society, where self-giving love, rather than self-promotion, is the pathway to true honor and influence. This teaching directly challenges the fallen human inclination towards pride and self-exaltation, calling believers to emulate the very nature of God, who serves His creation.

* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership in the Kingdom")
* [Luke 22:24-27](/luke/22-24-27 "Luke 22:24-27 - True Greatness is Service")
* [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:35 serves as a perpetual challenge to the human heart, which naturally gravitates towards self-promotion, recognition, and control. For believers, this verse is not an abstract theological concept but a concrete call to re-evaluate our ambitions, priorities, and daily interactions. It compels us to ask whether our desire to "be first" is rooted in a longing for personal glory or a genuine passion to serve God and others more effectively. True spiritual maturity is marked by a willingness to step out of the spotlight, to take the lowest place, and to actively seek opportunities to minister to the needs of those around us, especially those often overlooked or deemed "unimportant." This radical humility fosters unity, builds up the body of Christ, and most powerfully reflects the character of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I most desire to be "first," and how might this desire conflict with Jesus's teaching?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally serve others, especially those I might typically overlook?**
* **How does embracing the "last" position and a "servant" heart change my perspective on leadership and influence, both in the church and in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "first" and "last" in this context?**

Answer: In [Mark 9:35](/mark/9-35 "Mark 9:35 - Jesus Teaches on True Greatness"), "first" refers to a position of preeminence, status, authority, or perceived greatness in a worldly sense. It's about being at the top of a hierarchy, receiving honor and recognition. "Last" refers to the opposite: the lowest position, one of humility, obscurity, or lack of social standing. Jesus is using these terms to invert conventional values, teaching that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in embracing the "last" position by becoming a "servant of all." It's a paradox where humility and service lead to divine exaltation, rather than human recognition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:35 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He, who was eternally "first" as the Son of God, willingly emptied Himself, taking the form of a "servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by selfless service, from healing the sick and teaching the multitudes to washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")). The climax of His "servant" identity came on the cross, where He became "last of all" by enduring the ultimate humiliation and suffering, taking upon Himself the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Through this profound act of becoming "last" and "servant of all," Jesus secured eternal life and true "firstness" for humanity, demonstrating that true authority and glory are found in sacrificial love and service, not in worldly power ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) perfectly illustrate the divine principle: the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 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.

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:42

But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Luke 22:26

But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Luke 14:10

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.