Matthew 20:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:26 presents a radical redefinition of greatness within the Kingdom of God, contrasting sharply with the worldly pursuit of power and dominance. Following the ambitious request of James and John's mother, Jesus teaches His disciples that true leadership among His followers is not found in exercising authority over others, as Gentile rulers do, but rather in humble, self-sacrificial service. This verse establishes a foundational principle for Christian community and leadership: genuine influence and spiritual authority are attained through ministering to others, reflecting Christ's own example of servanthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a crucial teaching moment in Jesus's ministry, specifically following the third prediction of His passion and resurrection in [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection"). Immediately preceding [Matthew 20:26](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - The Call to Servanthood"), the mother of James and John approaches Jesus with an audacious request for her sons to sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom ([Matthew 20:20-21](/matthew/20-20-21 "Matthew 20:20-21 - The Ambition of James and John")). This request sparks indignation among the other ten disciples ([Matthew 20:24](/matthew/20-24 "Matthew 20:24 - The Other Disciples' Indignation")), revealing their own lingering worldly ambitions and misunderstanding of Jesus's kingdom. Jesus seizes this opportunity to correct their misconceptions, first by describing the oppressive nature of Gentile authority ([Matthew 20:25](/matthew/20-25 "Matthew 20:25 - Worldly Rulers Exercise Authority")), and then by presenting His counter-cultural model of servant leadership, culminating in His own example in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus's Mission of Service").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Jesus's time, leadership was synonymous with power, prestige, and the exercise of authority. Rulers, governors, and even religious leaders often sought to dominate and be served, extracting tribute and homage from their subjects. The concept of a leader humbling themselves to serve those under them was largely alien and counter-intuitive. Roman society, in particular, valued status and honor, with a clear hierarchy where the powerful ruled over the weak. Jesus's teaching directly challenges this pervasive cultural norm, presenting a revolutionary paradigm for leadership that would have been shocking to His disciples, who were themselves steeped in these societal expectations and still harbored hopes of earthly power and recognition within His anticipated kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. It is central to Jesus's **redefinition of greatness**, shifting the focus from worldly power and status to humble service. This teaching underscores the theme of **discipleship**, emphasizing that true followers of Christ are called to embody a different kind of life, one marked by self-denial and service, rather than self-exaltation. It also highlights the theme of **kingdom values**, demonstrating that the principles governing God's kingdom are fundamentally inverted compared to those of the world. The passage foreshadows Jesus's ultimate act of **self-sacrifice** ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus's Ultimate Example of Servanthood")), presenting His life as the supreme example of the servant leadership He calls His disciples to embrace. This radical ethic of service is a recurring motif throughout Jesus's ministry, from the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount") to His final instructions to His disciples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This word, often translated as "big" or "large," refers to something or someone of significant size, importance, or influence. In the context of the disciples' request and the worldly understanding of leadership, it signifies a person of high status, power, and authority—one who commands respect and is served by others. Jesus uses this common understanding of "greatness" only to subvert it entirely, redefining it in terms of service rather than dominion.
* **be (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This versatile verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." In this verse, it speaks to the process of transformation or the state of existence. When Jesus says "whosoever will *be* great," He is addressing the very aspiration of the disciples to *become* something significant. The subsequent command, "let him *be* your minister," indicates the new state or identity that true greatness entails—a shift from a desire for status to an embodiment of service.
* **minister (Greek, _diákonos'_):** This term literally means "an attendant," "a waiter at table," or "one who runs on errands." It denotes someone who serves others in a practical, often humble capacity. It is the root of the English word "deacon." Its use here is profoundly significant: Jesus directly equates "greatness" not with ruling or being served, but with active, humble service. It emphasizes a posture of self-giving and meeting the needs of others, rather than asserting authority or demanding honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But it shall not be so among you:"** Jesus immediately establishes a stark contrast between the worldly model of leadership, which He has just described (Gentile rulers lording over their subjects), and the principles that must govern His community. The "you" refers specifically to His disciples, indicating that the kingdom ethic is fundamentally different and counter-cultural. This phrase serves as a direct repudiation of the disciples' (and the world's) understanding of power.
* **"but whosoever will be great among you,"** This clause acknowledges the inherent human desire for significance and influence. Jesus does not condemn the aspiration to "be great" outright, but rather redirects it. The "whosoever" implies that this new path to greatness is open to anyone among His followers, regardless of their current status or background, provided they adopt the prescribed method.
* **"let him be your minister;"** This is the core command and the radical redefinition. The path to true greatness in God's kingdom is through humble service. The term "minister" (diákonos) signifies active, practical service to others, often in a lowly capacity. This command turns the world's power structure upside down: instead of being served, the one who desires to be great must become a servant of all, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where Jesus directly contrasts the worldly model of leadership ("it shall not be so among you") with the kingdom model ("whosoever will be great... let him be your minister"). This sharp opposition highlights the radical nature of His teaching. There is also clear **Irony**, as Jesus declares that the path to "greatness" (a concept typically associated with power and being served) is through "ministry" (a concept associated with humility and serving). This ironic reversal challenges conventional wisdom. Furthermore, the passage uses **Didactic Instruction**, as Jesus is explicitly teaching His disciples a foundational principle for their conduct and leadership within His nascent community. The use of the imperative "let him be" underscores the authoritative and prescriptive nature of this teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:26 is a pivotal statement that encapsulates the inverted values of the Kingdom of God, where humility precedes honor and service defines true leadership. It stands in direct opposition to the fallen human tendency towards self-exaltation and the pursuit of power for personal gain. Theologically, it reveals the nature of God's reign as one of love, sacrifice, and humble care for humanity, rather than oppressive dominion. This principle of servant leadership is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate for all who claim to follow Christ, mirroring God's own condescension in Christ to serve and redeem humanity. It underscores that spiritual authority is derived from a posture of self-giving, reflecting the very character of God.

* [Mark 10:43-45](/mark/10-43-45 "Mark 10:43-45 - The Markan Parallel on Servant Leadership")
* [Luke 22:26-27](/luke/22-26-27 "Luke 22:26-27 - The Lukan Parallel on Servanthood at the Last Supper")
* [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility as an Example")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:26 serves as an enduring challenge to every believer, calling us to fundamentally re-evaluate our understanding of success, influence, and leadership. In a world that constantly pressures us to assert ourselves, climb the ladder, and seek personal recognition, Jesus's words offer a liberating counter-narrative. This verse is not just for those in formal leadership positions but for every disciple, inviting us to cultivate a servant's heart in all our relationships and spheres of influence—in our families, workplaces, churches, and communities. It compels us to ask whether our ambitions are rooted in self-exaltation or in a genuine desire to uplift and benefit others. Embracing this principle means actively seeking opportunities to serve, to put the needs of others before our own, and to find our true significance not in being served, but in serving, just as Christ Himself did. It is a call to humble, practical action that transforms lives and reflects the very nature of God's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still pursue greatness according to worldly standards rather than Christ's?**
* **How can I practically apply the principle of "ministering" (serving) in my daily interactions with family, friends, and colleagues?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to prioritize the needs of others over my own desires or comfort?**
* **How does Jesus's redefinition of greatness challenge my personal aspirations and career goals?**
* **In what ways can my church or community better embody the principle of servant leadership taught in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What is the "worldly" view of greatness that Jesus is contrasting in Matthew 20:26?**

Answer: The "worldly" view of greatness, as described by Jesus in [Matthew 20:25](/matthew/20-25 "Matthew 20:25 - Worldly Rulers"), is characterized by rulers who "lord it over" their subjects and "exercise authority" over them. This implies a system where power is used for personal gain, dominance, and self-exaltation, often at the expense of others. It's a hierarchical structure where those at the top are served and control those beneath them, seeking prestige, honor, and obedience. This was the prevailing model in the Roman Empire and many other ancient societies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. While the verse commands His followers to be ministers, Jesus perfectly embodies this principle, not merely as a teacher but as the supreme example. He came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus's Self-Sacrificial Ministry")). His entire earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was a demonstration of humble servanthood. He, who was God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")) and ultimately offering His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Thus, the call to be a "minister" in [Matthew 20:26](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - The Call to Servant Leadership") is not just a moral imperative but an invitation to participate in the very nature and mission of Christ, who achieved ultimate greatness and glory through the path of ultimate humility and service. His resurrection and exaltation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) demonstrate that God honors and exalts those who humble themselves and serve.

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

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.