Mark 9:35

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Context of Mark 9:35

This pivotal verse in Mark's Gospel comes immediately after the disciples have been engaged in an argument about who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-34). Jesus, knowing their thoughts and the worldly mindset they still possessed, sits down – a posture often associated with authoritative teaching – and calls the twelve disciples to him. He then delivers a profound and counter-cultural lesson on true greatness within the Kingdom of God, challenging their human desire for prominence and power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Paradox of Greatness: Jesus reverses conventional wisdom. In the world, being "first" means having power, status, and authority. In God's kingdom, true greatness is found in embracing the lowest position, becoming "last of all." This challenges the natural human inclination towards self-exaltation.
  • Servant Leadership: The core message is that true leadership is defined by service. To be "first" in spiritual influence means to be "servant of all." This principle of servant leadership is exemplified perfectly by Jesus Himself, who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister" (Mark 10:45).
  • Humility as a Prerequisite: This verse underscores the absolute necessity of humility for anyone desiring to follow Christ. It's not just about acting humble, but cultivating a genuine heart attitude that values others above oneself and is willing to perform any task, no matter how menial, for the benefit of others.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "servant of all" translates the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος), from which we get the English word "deacon." This term denotes an attendant, a waiter, or one who serves others, often in a practical, hands-on manner. It implies active, willing service rather than merely a low social status. Jesus is not advocating for self-abasement for its own sake, but for a proactive posture of service that prioritizes the needs and well-being of others above one's own ambition or status.

Practical Application

Mark 9:35 remains a radical call to discipleship today. It challenges our natural human desire for recognition, power, and being at the top. For Christians, this verse means:

  • Re-evaluating Ambition: Our desire to "be first" should be transformed into a desire to serve others more effectively and selflessly.
  • Embracing Humility: In all aspects of life – family, work, church, and community – genuine humility fosters healthy relationships and effective ministry. This aligns with Christ's own profound act of self-emptying humility (Philippians 2:5-8).
  • Serving Others: Look for opportunities to serve, particularly those often overlooked or considered "least." True Christian leadership is measured not by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve.

This verse is a foundational principle for Christian living, urging believers to embody the selfless love and service characteristic of Jesus Himself.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 20:25 (17 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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