Matthew 20:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Due to their distress, the Lord first seeks to soothe them by calling them closer rather than through mere words. As two of the disciples, separated from the others, stood nearby speaking privately with Jesus, He also called the rest of the group. He intended not only to share what He had discussed in private but also to temper their fervent emotions. However, the Lord’s admonition to the disciples differs from His previous approach. Earlier, He had brought children before them to illustrate the need for their simplicity and humility.

As the ten became distressed upon hearing the words of the Lord, He calls them to Himself, soothing their hearts even before the dialogue begins. The sons of Zebedee had previously been in a private discussion with Him, but now He addresses all of them collectively. Aware of the intense desire for supremacy among them, which must be confronted decisively, He shares some harsh truths with the disciples, labeling them as Gentiles and unbelievers for their pursuit of glory. In His admonishment, He states: “Other men glory in their power, but to love power is a pagan passion.”

The sentiments expressed in the passages cited by Matthew and Mark highlight the notion that leaders of nations exercise authority over their people, yet among His followers, it is not to be this way; rather, the one who is greatest will serve all. This teaching also appears in the Gospel of Luke, albeit in a different context. The order of these accounts indicates that the Lord reaffirmed this instruction on two separate occasions.

Jesus called to them and spoke. As the two approached Him and began conversing, He also summoned the rest, reassuring those who were troubled by highlighting the bond between Him and them. He then remarked, You know that the rulers of the nations exercise authority over their subjects, and the powerful dominate them. Aware that the two disciples sought a position of prominence over the others, He condemned this intent as worldly. He pointed out that the rulers of the Gentiles and their dignitaries exercise control over others.

While the other disciples did not overhear this discussion, they quickly grasped its topic. This led to dissatisfaction and murmuring among them, a reaction that, although not entirely unjust for those vying for prominence, was ultimately empty, as they sought the unattainable. Peter, who was as notable among Jesus' followers as the sons of Salome, and rightly so, could not help but feel particularly discontent. However, he never reached such a level of ambition as to desire authority over his fellow disciples, being content with the Master's assurance that each would be granted a unique throne. The collective discontent among the disciples provided a pivotal opportunity for the Lord to impart a valuable lesson on humility and brotherly love.

Our Lord was saddened to witness the selfishness and lack of camaraderie among His cherished disciples. Yet, in His desire to comfort and instruct them, Jesus drew them closer than the rest of the disciples who were complaining about the two brothers. He revealed to them the fundamental principle of conduct for anyone aspiring to be part of His Kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to that of the Gentiles: a profound humility and self-sacrifice.

Although the Lord did not explicitly promise to grant the request of the sons of Zebedee, their inquiry incited jealousy among the other apostles, leading to their resentment towards James and John. In response, the Lord gathered them and imparted a teaching on humility, exemplifying this virtue through His own life.

Teaching on Humility The appeal made by James and John stirred resentment among the other disciples. Upon hearing their complaints, Jesus gathered them together and remarked: "You are aware that in this world, the rulers of the nations assert dominance over their people, and the influential exercise authority over them (Matt. 20:25); however, My kingdom differs from the kingdoms of this world. Therefore, if anyone desires to be part of My kingdom, they must not behave in this manner: whoever aspires to greatness must serve everyone, and whoever longs to be first must be last, embracing the role of a servant. I did not come into this world to dominate or to be served, but to serve and to offer My life as a ransom for many; you should follow My example.

Summoning all twelve of His disciples, Christ reiterated the misunderstanding they had regarding the kingdom of heaven, clarifying once again its genuine essence, which stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world.

The Lord, sensing their distress, sought to calm the troubled disciples by beckoning them closer and addressing them individually. These two disciples, having separated from the other ten, were speaking with Him in solitude. By calling out to all the disciples, He intended to share privately discussed truths, also helping to alleviate their emotional turmoil. The Lord articulated the foundational moral tenets for the members of His kingdom — emphasizing humility and selflessness, which stood in stark contrast to the principles of worldly ethics. In secular cultures, leaders often assert dominance over their people, and the powerful impose their will upon the weak.

The words of the Savior revealed to the sons of Zebedee that they did not fully comprehend their request. Although this dialogue occurred away from the apostles, it quickly reached the other ten, stirring grievances and resentment against those who sought prominence, which became a source of offense. The Lord then called those who were upset and clarified the essential principle of Gospel teachings—loving one another with genuine humility. He remarked, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.