People Gathered Around a Teacher in a VillageBible World
20:27Matthew 20:27
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
To be chief among Christ's followers is to take the place of a servant, with greatness shown in serving others rather than in ruling over them or being served. In His kingdom greatness is the reverse of worldly greatness, not rank or honor or recognition by people, but humble, self-sacrificing love that gives and labors for others even at the cost of life. He Himself is the pattern of the chief as servant, for He laid aside His kingly crown and high command, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. Therefore those who lead or hold the highest place must serve rather than rule as lords, dictate, control or oppress others, but govern themselves, depend on God, and lead with Christlike humility free from selfishness and greed. Strife for supremacy has no place because all are brethren and equals, and he who humbles himself in self-denial and self-sacrifice for the good of others shall be exalted and gain the chiefest place.
Setting and Occasion
The saying was given at Capernaum to the Twelve after Jesus, passing through Galilee, had foretold that the Son of man would be delivered into the hands of men and killed and rise the third day, and after He had given the disciples opportunity to ask what His words meant. Instead they had disputed by the way who should be the greatest, and when He asked what they had disputed they held their peace. Then sitting down and calling the Twelve, He taught that to be chief is to be servant, and that desiring to be first means becoming last of all and servant of all, after the pattern of the Son of man who came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many.
It belongs to the disciples seeking positions of honor in His kingdom, set against their expectation that the kingdom would soon be established and their failure to grasp His prediction of betrayal, suffering, death and resurrection. Even when told He would be betrayed and put to death and rise again they did not understand, and still disputed about greatness. So He set a little child in their midst and taught that except they be converted and become as little children they shall not enter the kingdom of heaven, and that whoever humbles himself as a child is greatest there.
Their desire to be first rested on misapplying prophecies of His second advent in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to His first advent. They expected a conquering prince to sit on David's throne and gather the nations under His rule, in common with Jewish teachers and rulers. Despite His instruction their spirit was not effectually subdued or changed, and self-exaltation appeared whenever circumstances were favorable. So as His trial drew near He opened before them His future suffering, shame and death.
True Greatness Defined
Whoever would be chief among Christ's followers must take the place of a servant, and greatness in that kingdom is shown by serving others rather than ruling over them or being served. Leadership there is expressed through unselfish ministry and service, not domination. True greatness is humble service, not seeking the highest place. Ambition for rank makes disciples like the world and can displace Christ from their hearts, while humble service to God through serving others marks Christlikeness and will be honored in God's kingdom. Human measures of importance can deceive, but God's estimate is accurate, and the humble may stand higher in the final test than those who appear first in privilege or talent.
Greatness in God's kingdom is not won by favoritism or granted arbitrarily, but follows a character formed through self-conquest by Christ's grace. The one nearest Christ is the one who shares most deeply His self-sacrificing love, giving and laboring for others even at the cost of life. This is the rule for the kingdom Christ was about to set up, where strife for supremacy has no place because all are brethren and all servants are equal. The only greatness recognized there is humility and devotion to the service of others, for he who humbles himself shall be exalted and he who exalts himself shall be abased. He who serves others by self-denial and self-sacrifice gains attributes of character that commend him to God — wisdom, true patience, forbearance, kindness and compassion — and this gives him the chiefest place.
Greatness in Christ's kingdom is the reverse of worldly greatness: not worldly rank, dignity, honor, or being recognized by people, but humble service and closeness to Christ in life and character. Seeking first place and greatest status reverses proper standing, so that the one who strives to be first ends up last. Craving supremacy will not bring true supremacy in the future life, and self-exaltation and ambition breed contention and oppose the love Christ calls His followers to show. Those who give up striving for supremacy and for recognition, and esteem others above themselves, show Christ's character and receive God's approval. The humility required is not a low estimate of one's own character and qualifications, but adapting oneself to fallen humanity in order to raise them to a higher life, as the Son of God did.
The verse condemns pride, ambition, selfishness, love for supremacy, variance and rivalry, which are even more offensive in physicians and ministers than in others because they destroy the strong brotherly union, harmony and united work that God designs. Christ's meekness and gentleness in seeking to enter the heart to bring pardon and peace stand in contrast to pride and domination that exalt self over others and claim power over them.
Christ's Pattern of Service
The one who would be chief is shown what that means by what follows, for the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. True greatness among His followers is service rather than seeking the highest place, and humble service to God through serving others is the mark of likeness to Him that will be honored in His kingdom. Ambition for rank makes disciples like the world and can push Him out of the heart, while human measures of importance deceive, for God's estimate is exact and in the final test the humble may stand higher than those who seemed first in privilege or talent. At Capernaum, sitting down and calling the twelve after they had disputed on the way who should be greatest, He taught that to desire to be first is to become last of all and servant of all, after that pattern.
He Himself defines the chief place by service, for He laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe and stepped down from His high command to take His place at the head of a fallen race. Clothing His divinity with humanity, He came to a world seared and marred by the curse to become one with humanity and to endure for humanity the temptations of the foe. He came to show that men may stand on vantage ground with God by keeping all the laws of His kingdom and carrying out His will in love and kindness and loyalty, doing good and not evil. The Son of man thus humbled Himself to become the servant of God and submitted to abasement and self-sacrifice even to death, to give freedom and life and a place in His kingdom to those who believe, giving His life as a ransom for many.
His poverty and rejection of worldly rule and honor set the pattern, exposing the error of desiring worldly honor as Peter and the sons of Zebedee did. He showed the same humbling by becoming a member of a lowly earthly family, teaching that to be chief is to serve others rather than to rule fellow believers, demand obedience, take God's place, or keep church members under human control. Greatness is therefore measured not by worldly rank, dignity, honor, or power, but by following His life and conduct in closeness to Him in life and character. The true disciple follows His example in diligent labor, in providing for those entrusted to his care, in lowly subjection, and in faithful performance of duty to honor God instead of exalting self above others.
Leadership Through Service
To be chief is to serve, not to lord it over others, dictate to them, control them, or oppress them. Those who lead are to be governed by God, to govern themselves, and to live peaceably in obedience to His commandments. They are to recognize their own weakness and depend on God, and to lead with Christlike humility free from selfishness and greed. They are to cultivate humble dependence on Him, plan and counsel with fellow workers, hold themselves amenable to His requirements and instructions, and not grasp too much authority for themselves. Seeking control over fellow workers, especially those of greater experience, shows unfitness for sacred responsibility, and responsibility gives no license for impatience, boastfulness, or overbearing conduct.
God has set no kingly power in the church to control the whole body or any branch of the work, and the burden of leadership is not to rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are to be distributed among a large number of competent men. Every conference, every institution, every church, and every individual is to have a voice in the election of those who carry the chief responsibilities in the General Conference.
No man is appointed to take God's place over a church or conference, to dictate to another believer concerning individual duty, or to make a fellow worker's judgment and experience binding. Whoever would be chief must be servant, seeking counsel from God rather than commanding and forbidding by his own mind and judgment. Self must not bear rule by converting others to his own ideas, exalting whom he will and hindering those not in harmony with him, or working in an underhand manner to thwart fellow workers. Such authoritative utterances bear not the heavenly impress and are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those who act so are out of place in grave responsibility and need conversion in heart, soul, and mind, conviction that their minds are not infallible, humbling of soul with prayer and reception of the Word, and to become humble learners from the great Teacher rather than dictatorial.
Those entrusted with authority are to represent Christ through patience, kindness, long-suffering love, honesty, and self-denial, with a refining influence and fair treatment of those under their charge. Heavy responsibility does not excuse arrogance, and positions of responsibility give no license for impatience, boastfulness, overbearing conduct, oppression, or self-exaltation. A leader must exercise self-control and set an example others can safely follow. One who forgets he is a servant and exalts himself fails in his trust, is unfit, and should not remain in office.
No man is to usurp authority over his brethren and hurt their souls. Lording it over fellow laborers and shaping conduct by personal fancies, likes, and dislikes comes from a power from beneath, from oppressive satanic power. In contrast Christ made the infinite sacrifice to redeem fallen sinful men from that power. So to be chief is to pity and help those fallen and sinful like ourselves rather than dominate and wound them.
A position of influence in the church gives no right to rule fellow believers, demand obedience, take God's place, or keep members under human control. A minister must not dictate to believers or treat them as his own, because those who accept the truth belong to Christ. Christ's meekness and lowliness, shown when He humbled Himself and became a member of a lowly earthly family, is the example for those who lead. All are brothers and equals under Christ, and His ministers are to win and persuade rather than compel. The gospel minister therefore must not be content merely to preach but must personally minister to people, visit those impressed by the truth, and labor for them as Jesus directed, since refusing this service misunderstands the calling.
Greatness is secured by obeying God's word with unselfishness and by active working instead of becoming a do-nothing. Those who hold the place of teacher or leader in the visible church must have practical godliness shown in words and works. They must not require others in religion and conscience to bow to human judgment which belongs to God alone, and must be sure that in directing what shall and shall not be done they are not working out the plans of antichrist. Seeking power over people and controlling their minds dishonors God and endangers both the one who rules and those under his control.
Humble Service in Life
Greatness in the church is serving as a true shepherd after Christ's example of ministering to others rather than seeking authority over them. Whoever would be chief must become servant, setting aside strife and vainglory, humbly putting the interests of others before one's own, and taking Christ's life as the pattern for daily conduct. His own humility and service display the principle in practice.
True greatness is shown by serving others rather than seeking to be first or to be recognized by people. Those who give up striving for supremacy and esteem others above themselves reveal Christ's character and receive God's approval. The desire to be greatest must not produce strife, for Christians work together as members of Christ's body, use their God-given abilities faithfully, and serve under Christ's direction in restoring God's image in people and helping others be saved.
Serving instead of seeking the highest place is the way to render acceptable service. Following Jesus means imitating Him in work, speech, and conduct, and those who follow His example receive an everlasting reward while Christ helps and guides them. The one who is greatest must be willing to take the humble place of a servant whenever duty requires it.
Those seeking to be first must humble their hearts before God. For workers preparing to be teachers this means beginning in a humble way as missionaries for God at home, taking up the neglected missionary work lying at their very door. The Lord is calling for laborers for the cities and every true believer has a message in that call, following the example of those who for truth's sake endure inconveniences, unsuitable climates, and opposition in foreign fields.
Whoever would be greatest must take the place of a servant, and teachers and fellow laborers apply this by serving all and imitating Christ. They are to treat students, including those who seem dull or troublesome, with kindness, love, tenderness, and thoughtful care for their respect and dignity. Distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, severity, criticism, and an overbearing manner are to be put away. God's people being fitted for translation must stand as sentinels for God, unite their forces, and willingly become servants of all in sowing seed for eternal life, because the harvest reaped will be exactly what was sown.
Christ's kingdom is not a worldly contest for rank, for greatness is shown through humility and self-sacrifice in serving others. His humility was not a denial of His character or worth; He adapted Himself to fallen humanity in order to lift people to a higher life, and His followers are to imitate that example. Mothers honor God by faithfully carrying out their duties rather than competing with wealthy neighbors in outward appearance. Whoever would be chief must be servant, and true greatness is childlike humility, condemning pride, ambition, selfishness, love for supremacy, variance, and rivalry. Such evils are even more offensive in physicians and ministers than in others because they destroy the strong brotherly union, harmony, and united work that God designs, so physicians of like precious faith must lay aside independent judgment and separation over different methods, hold meetings for counsel, exchange ideas, and be bound together in Christ's kind, loving nature to work unitedly for time and eternity.
Seeking supremacy stands opposed to the humility expressed in serving others, and craving supremacy will not bring true supremacy in the future life. The foot-washing ordinance reveals character and calls participants to humble, penitential service.
To be chief among Christ's followers is to take the place of a servant, with greatness shown in serving others rather than in ruling over them or being served. In His kingdom greatness is the reverse of worldly greatness, not rank or honor or recognition by people, but humble, self-sacrificing love that gives and labors for others even at the cost of life. He Himself is the pattern of the chief as servant, for He laid aside His kingly crown and high command, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. Therefore those who lead or hold the highest place must serve rather than rule as lords, dictate, control or oppress others, but govern themselves, depend on God, and lead with Christlike humility free from selfishness and greed. Strife for supremacy has no place because all are brethren and equals, and he who humbles himself in self-denial and self-sacrifice for the good of others shall be exalted and gain the chiefest place.
Setting and Occasion
The saying was given at Capernaum to the Twelve after Jesus, passing through Galilee, had foretold that the Son of man would be delivered into the hands of men and killed and rise the third day, and after He had given the disciples opportunity to ask what His words meant. Instead they had disputed by the way who should be the greatest, and when He asked what they had disputed they held their peace. Then sitting down and calling the Twelve, He taught that to be chief is to be servant, and that desiring to be first means becoming last of all and servant of all, after the pattern of the Son of man who came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many.
It belongs to the disciples seeking positions of honor in His kingdom, set against their expectation that the kingdom would soon be established and their failure to grasp His prediction of betrayal, suffering, death and resurrection. Even when told He would be betrayed and put to death and rise again they did not understand, and still disputed about greatness. So He set a little child in their midst and taught that except they be converted and become as little children they shall not enter the kingdom of heaven, and that whoever humbles himself as a child is greatest there.
Their desire to be first rested on misapplying prophecies of His second advent in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to His first advent. They expected a conquering prince to sit on David's throne and gather the nations under His rule, in common with Jewish teachers and rulers. Despite His instruction their spirit was not effectually subdued or changed, and self-exaltation appeared whenever circumstances were favorable. So as His trial drew near He opened before them His future suffering, shame and death.
True Greatness Defined
Whoever would be chief among Christ's followers must take the place of a servant, and greatness in that kingdom is shown by serving others rather than ruling over them or being served. Leadership there is expressed through unselfish ministry and service, not domination. True greatness is humble service, not seeking the highest place. Ambition for rank makes disciples like the world and can displace Christ from their hearts, while humble service to God through serving others marks Christlikeness and will be honored in God's kingdom. Human measures of importance can deceive, but God's estimate is accurate, and the humble may stand higher in the final test than those who appear first in privilege or talent.
Greatness in God's kingdom is not won by favoritism or granted arbitrarily, but follows a character formed through self-conquest by Christ's grace. The one nearest Christ is the one who shares most deeply His self-sacrificing love, giving and laboring for others even at the cost of life. This is the rule for the kingdom Christ was about to set up, where strife for supremacy has no place because all are brethren and all servants are equal. The only greatness recognized there is humility and devotion to the service of others, for he who humbles himself shall be exalted and he who exalts himself shall be abased. He who serves others by self-denial and self-sacrifice gains attributes of character that commend him to God — wisdom, true patience, forbearance, kindness and compassion — and this gives him the chiefest place.
Greatness in Christ's kingdom is the reverse of worldly greatness: not worldly rank, dignity, honor, or being recognized by people, but humble service and closeness to Christ in life and character. Seeking first place and greatest status reverses proper standing, so that the one who strives to be first ends up last. Craving supremacy will not bring true supremacy in the future life, and self-exaltation and ambition breed contention and oppose the love Christ calls His followers to show. Those who give up striving for supremacy and for recognition, and esteem others above themselves, show Christ's character and receive God's approval. The humility required is not a low estimate of one's own character and qualifications, but adapting oneself to fallen humanity in order to raise them to a higher life, as the Son of God did.
The verse condemns pride, ambition, selfishness, love for supremacy, variance and rivalry, which are even more offensive in physicians and ministers than in others because they destroy the strong brotherly union, harmony and united work that God designs. Christ's meekness and gentleness in seeking to enter the heart to bring pardon and peace stand in contrast to pride and domination that exalt self over others and claim power over them.
Christ's Pattern of Service
The one who would be chief is shown what that means by what follows, for the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. True greatness among His followers is service rather than seeking the highest place, and humble service to God through serving others is the mark of likeness to Him that will be honored in His kingdom. Ambition for rank makes disciples like the world and can push Him out of the heart, while human measures of importance deceive, for God's estimate is exact and in the final test the humble may stand higher than those who seemed first in privilege or talent. At Capernaum, sitting down and calling the twelve after they had disputed on the way who should be greatest, He taught that to desire to be first is to become last of all and servant of all, after that pattern.
He Himself defines the chief place by service, for He laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe and stepped down from His high command to take His place at the head of a fallen race. Clothing His divinity with humanity, He came to a world seared and marred by the curse to become one with humanity and to endure for humanity the temptations of the foe. He came to show that men may stand on vantage ground with God by keeping all the laws of His kingdom and carrying out His will in love and kindness and loyalty, doing good and not evil. The Son of man thus humbled Himself to become the servant of God and submitted to abasement and self-sacrifice even to death, to give freedom and life and a place in His kingdom to those who believe, giving His life as a ransom for many.
His poverty and rejection of worldly rule and honor set the pattern, exposing the error of desiring worldly honor as Peter and the sons of Zebedee did. He showed the same humbling by becoming a member of a lowly earthly family, teaching that to be chief is to serve others rather than to rule fellow believers, demand obedience, take God's place, or keep church members under human control. Greatness is therefore measured not by worldly rank, dignity, honor, or power, but by following His life and conduct in closeness to Him in life and character. The true disciple follows His example in diligent labor, in providing for those entrusted to his care, in lowly subjection, and in faithful performance of duty to honor God instead of exalting self above others.
Leadership Through Service
To be chief is to serve, not to lord it over others, dictate to them, control them, or oppress them. Those who lead are to be governed by God, to govern themselves, and to live peaceably in obedience to His commandments. They are to recognize their own weakness and depend on God, and to lead with Christlike humility free from selfishness and greed. They are to cultivate humble dependence on Him, plan and counsel with fellow workers, hold themselves amenable to His requirements and instructions, and not grasp too much authority for themselves. Seeking control over fellow workers, especially those of greater experience, shows unfitness for sacred responsibility, and responsibility gives no license for impatience, boastfulness, or overbearing conduct.
God has set no kingly power in the church to control the whole body or any branch of the work, and the burden of leadership is not to rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are to be distributed among a large number of competent men. Every conference, every institution, every church, and every individual is to have a voice in the election of those who carry the chief responsibilities in the General Conference.
No man is appointed to take God's place over a church or conference, to dictate to another believer concerning individual duty, or to make a fellow worker's judgment and experience binding. Whoever would be chief must be servant, seeking counsel from God rather than commanding and forbidding by his own mind and judgment. Self must not bear rule by converting others to his own ideas, exalting whom he will and hindering those not in harmony with him, or working in an underhand manner to thwart fellow workers. Such authoritative utterances bear not the heavenly impress and are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those who act so are out of place in grave responsibility and need conversion in heart, soul, and mind, conviction that their minds are not infallible, humbling of soul with prayer and reception of the Word, and to become humble learners from the great Teacher rather than dictatorial.
Those entrusted with authority are to represent Christ through patience, kindness, long-suffering love, honesty, and self-denial, with a refining influence and fair treatment of those under their charge. Heavy responsibility does not excuse arrogance, and positions of responsibility give no license for impatience, boastfulness, overbearing conduct, oppression, or self-exaltation. A leader must exercise self-control and set an example others can safely follow. One who forgets he is a servant and exalts himself fails in his trust, is unfit, and should not remain in office.
No man is to usurp authority over his brethren and hurt their souls. Lording it over fellow laborers and shaping conduct by personal fancies, likes, and dislikes comes from a power from beneath, from oppressive satanic power. In contrast Christ made the infinite sacrifice to redeem fallen sinful men from that power. So to be chief is to pity and help those fallen and sinful like ourselves rather than dominate and wound them.
A position of influence in the church gives no right to rule fellow believers, demand obedience, take God's place, or keep members under human control. A minister must not dictate to believers or treat them as his own, because those who accept the truth belong to Christ. Christ's meekness and lowliness, shown when He humbled Himself and became a member of a lowly earthly family, is the example for those who lead. All are brothers and equals under Christ, and His ministers are to win and persuade rather than compel. The gospel minister therefore must not be content merely to preach but must personally minister to people, visit those impressed by the truth, and labor for them as Jesus directed, since refusing this service misunderstands the calling.
Greatness is secured by obeying God's word with unselfishness and by active working instead of becoming a do-nothing. Those who hold the place of teacher or leader in the visible church must have practical godliness shown in words and works. They must not require others in religion and conscience to bow to human judgment which belongs to God alone, and must be sure that in directing what shall and shall not be done they are not working out the plans of antichrist. Seeking power over people and controlling their minds dishonors God and endangers both the one who rules and those under his control.
Humble Service in Life
Greatness in the church is serving as a true shepherd after Christ's example of ministering to others rather than seeking authority over them. Whoever would be chief must become servant, setting aside strife and vainglory, humbly putting the interests of others before one's own, and taking Christ's life as the pattern for daily conduct. His own humility and service display the principle in practice.
True greatness is shown by serving others rather than seeking to be first or to be recognized by people. Those who give up striving for supremacy and esteem others above themselves reveal Christ's character and receive God's approval. The desire to be greatest must not produce strife, for Christians work together as members of Christ's body, use their God-given abilities faithfully, and serve under Christ's direction in restoring God's image in people and helping others be saved.
Serving instead of seeking the highest place is the way to render acceptable service. Following Jesus means imitating Him in work, speech, and conduct, and those who follow His example receive an everlasting reward while Christ helps and guides them. The one who is greatest must be willing to take the humble place of a servant whenever duty requires it.
Those seeking to be first must humble their hearts before God. For workers preparing to be teachers this means beginning in a humble way as missionaries for God at home, taking up the neglected missionary work lying at their very door. The Lord is calling for laborers for the cities and every true believer has a message in that call, following the example of those who for truth's sake endure inconveniences, unsuitable climates, and opposition in foreign fields.
Whoever would be greatest must take the place of a servant, and teachers and fellow laborers apply this by serving all and imitating Christ. They are to treat students, including those who seem dull or troublesome, with kindness, love, tenderness, and thoughtful care for their respect and dignity. Distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, severity, criticism, and an overbearing manner are to be put away. God's people being fitted for translation must stand as sentinels for God, unite their forces, and willingly become servants of all in sowing seed for eternal life, because the harvest reaped will be exactly what was sown.
Christ's kingdom is not a worldly contest for rank, for greatness is shown through humility and self-sacrifice in serving others. His humility was not a denial of His character or worth; He adapted Himself to fallen humanity in order to lift people to a higher life, and His followers are to imitate that example. Mothers honor God by faithfully carrying out their duties rather than competing with wealthy neighbors in outward appearance. Whoever would be chief must be servant, and true greatness is childlike humility, condemning pride, ambition, selfishness, love for supremacy, variance, and rivalry. Such evils are even more offensive in physicians and ministers than in others because they destroy the strong brotherly union, harmony, and united work that God designs, so physicians of like precious faith must lay aside independent judgment and separation over different methods, hold meetings for counsel, exchange ideas, and be bound together in Christ's kind, loving nature to work unitedly for time and eternity.
Seeking supremacy stands opposed to the humility expressed in serving others, and craving supremacy will not bring true supremacy in the future life. The foot-washing ordinance reveals character and calls participants to humble, penitential service.