Mark 10:43

43 This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; ¹

Mark 10:43 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 10:43

But so shall it not be among you
Or "so let it not be", as in many copies; or as the Persic version renders it, "it ought not to be so among you"; such a lordly spirit does not become you; this is heathenish:

but whosoever will be great among you shall be,
as in Matthew "let him", ( Matthew 20:26 ) , be

your minister.
This was just the reverse of what the two disciples were seeking for; they were indeed for being ministers but then they were for being prime ministers of state; and would have had all the rest subject to them and attendants on them to be sent out and employed as they should think fit: whereas the only way to preferment and greatness in Christ's kingdom, or rather Gospel church state, is to labour, in the work, of the ministry more abundantly than others; to take great pains and endure great hardships in order to bring great glory to God, and do great good to the souls of men; (See Gill on Matthew 20:26).

Mark 10:43 In-Context

41 When the other ten disciples heard about it, they became angry with James and John.

42 So Jesus called them all together to him and said, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority.

43 This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest;

44 and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all.

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people."

Cross References

• 1. 10.43, 44Matthew 23.11;Mark 9.35;Luke 22.26.