Matthew 20:26

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

But {G1161} it shall {G2071} not {G3756} be {G2071} so {G3779} among {G1722} you {G5213}: but {G235} whosoever {G3739}{G1437} will {G2309} be {G1096} great {G3173} among {G1722} you {G5213}, let him be {G2077} your {G5216} minister {G1249};

Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant,

It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;

Commentary

Context of Matthew 20:26

Matthew 20:26 is part of a crucial teaching moment by Jesus Christ to His disciples, immediately following an incident where the mother of James and John requested positions of honor for her sons in Jesus's kingdom (Matthew 20:21). This request stirred indignation among the other ten disciples. Jesus uses this opportunity to address their worldly understanding of power and greatness, contrasting it sharply with the principles of His heavenly kingdom. He first describes how Gentile rulers exercise authority with heavy hand (Matthew 20:25), then presents His radical counter-cultural model for leadership and influence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Redefinition of Greatness: This verse fundamentally challenges conventional notions of power and prestige. In God's kingdom, true greatness is not found in dominance or authority over others, but in humble service. Jesus radically redefines what it means to be great in God's kingdom.
  • The Principle of Service: The core message is that leadership within the Christian community is characterized by ministry and service. To be "great" is to be a "minister," meaning a servant. This concept was revolutionary in a world where leaders typically sought to be served, not to serve.
  • Humility in Leadership: The verse implicitly teaches humility as an essential characteristic for anyone aspiring to influence or lead within the body of Christ. It directly opposes pride and self-seeking ambition.
  • Discipleship: Jesus sets a standard for His followers, distinguishing them from worldly leaders. Disciples are called to embody a servant heart, reflecting Christ's own example.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "minister." The Greek word translated as "minister" is diakonos (διακονος). This term literally means a "servant," "attendant," or "one who waits at tables." It is the root from which the English word "deacon" is derived. Its use here emphasizes active, humble service, often involving practical assistance to others, rather than a position of authority or honor. It highlights that the path to true influence in God's eyes is through selfless giving and meeting the needs of others.

Practical Application and Reflection

Matthew 20:26 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, offering a timeless principle for all aspects of life, especially leadership within the church, family, and community. It calls us to:

  • Embrace a Servant's Heart: True Christian leadership and influence come not from demanding respect or power, but from genuinely serving others. This means prioritizing the needs of those we lead or interact with.
  • Counter Worldly Ambition: In a society that often values status and personal gain, this verse challenges us to resist the temptation of self-promotion and instead seek opportunities to uplift and support others.
  • Follow Christ's Example: Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle, declaring that He came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Our call is to imitate His example of selfless service.

This verse reminds us that in God's kingdom, the last shall be first, and the greatest are those who serve.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 10:43

    But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

  • Luke 18:14

    I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Luke 14:7

    ¶ And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

  • Luke 14:11

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