Matthew 20:25
But Jesus called them aside and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
But Jesus called them aside
This phrase indicates a moment of intimate teaching and correction. The Greek word for "called" (προσκαλέω, proskaleō) suggests a personal invitation or summons. Jesus often used such moments to impart crucial lessons to His disciples, away from the crowds. This setting underscores the importance of the teaching that follows, highlighting Jesus' role as a patient and intentional teacher who seeks to transform the hearts and minds of His followers.

and said
The act of speaking here is significant. The Greek word "λέγω" (legō) implies a deliberate and authoritative communication. Jesus' words are not mere suggestions but carry the weight of divine wisdom and truth. In the context of the Gospel, His teachings are foundational for understanding the nature of His kingdom, which contrasts sharply with worldly systems of power and authority.

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles
The term "rulers" (ἄρχοντες, archontes) refers to those in positions of political power and authority. The "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē) were non-Jewish peoples, often seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. Historically, Gentile rulers were known for their oppressive and authoritarian regimes. This reference would resonate with the disciples, who were familiar with Roman rule and its often harsh and domineering nature.

lord it over them
The phrase "lord it over" (κατακυριεύω, katakurieuō) conveys a sense of domination and control. It reflects a leadership style characterized by coercion and exploitation, contrasting sharply with the servant leadership Jesus advocates. This critique of Gentile rulers serves as a backdrop for Jesus' revolutionary teaching on leadership and greatness in His kingdom.

and their great ones exercise authority over them
"Great ones" (μεγάλοι, megaloi) refers to those who are considered important or influential in society. The phrase "exercise authority" (κατεξουσιάζω, katexousiazō) suggests a hierarchical and often oppressive use of power. In the historical context, such authority was typically self-serving and maintained through force or manipulation. Jesus' words challenge His disciples to reject these worldly models of greatness and authority, pointing instead to a kingdom where true greatness is found in humility and service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about leadership and authority.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for their future roles in spreading the Gospel.

3. Rulers of the Gentiles
These are the secular leaders of the time, often characterized by their authoritarian rule.

4. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people, often seen as outsiders in the Jewish context, representing worldly systems of power.

5. Authority
The concept of power and control, which Jesus contrasts with His model of servant leadership.
Teaching Points
Servant Leadership
Jesus redefines leadership as service, challenging us to lead by example and humility rather than by exerting power.

Counter-Cultural Values
The kingdom of God operates on principles that often contradict worldly systems, calling believers to live distinctively.

Humility in Authority
True authority in the Christian context is marked by humility and a willingness to serve others, not by domination.

Imitating Christ
As followers of Jesus, we are called to emulate His example of selfless service and love for others.

Community Impact
By adopting Jesus' model of leadership, we can transform our communities and relationships, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20:25 challenge our understanding of leadership in today's world?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of servant leadership in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the concept of authority in Matthew 20:25 compare to the authority demonstrated by Jesus in other parts of the Gospels?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our leadership reflects the humility and service that Jesus exemplified?

5. How can the teachings in Philippians 2:5-7 and 1 Peter 5:2-3 help us understand and apply Jesus' message in Matthew 20:25?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 10:42-45
This parallel passage reinforces Jesus' teaching on servant leadership, emphasizing that greatness comes through serving others.

Philippians 2:5-7
Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by describing how Christ, though divine, took on the form of a servant.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Peter advises church leaders to shepherd their flock willingly and not to lord over them, reflecting Jesus' teaching.

Luke 22:25-27
Jesus contrasts worldly authority with His call to serve, highlighting the upside-down nature of His kingdom.
Ambition InsatiableC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 20:20-28
Can Ye Drink of My Cup?J. Stewart.Matthew 20:20-28
Christ's Answer to Salome's PetitionH. B. Moffat, M. A.Matthew 20:20-28
Distinction in the KingdomJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 20:20-28
Divine RewardsBishop Huntingdon, D. D.Matthew 20:20-28
ElevationJ. Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 20:20-28
Ignorant RequestsLapide.Matthew 20:20-28
Like Master, Like ServantMatthew 20:20-28
Men Sometimes Know not What They AskJ. P. Lange, D. D.Matthew 20:20-28
Nearest to ChristDr. McLaren.Matthew 20:20-28
Nearness to Christ in HeavenDr. McLaren.Matthew 20:20-28
Nearness to Christ in Heaven not Mere FavouritismDr. McLaren.Matthew 20:20-28
Place-Seeking ParentsA. Barnes, D. D.Matthew 20:20-28
Right and Wrong PrayersJohn Trapp., Matthew Pool.Matthew 20:20-28
Salome's Petition for Her TwoB. W. Noel, M. A.Matthew 20:20-28
Salome's Petition for Zebedee's SonsMarcus Dods Matthew 20:20-28
The Church SphereJ. P. Lange, D. D.Matthew 20:20-28
The Divine Preparation of Heaven for MenDr. McLaren.Matthew 20:20-28
The Law of Rank and Position in God's KingdomGeo. Macdonald, M. A.Matthew 20:20-28
Ye Know not What Ye AskMatthew 20:20-28
True GreatnessW.F. Adeney Matthew 20:25-27
People
David, Jesus, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Jericho, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Authority, Dominion, Exercise, Gentiles, Lords, Lordship, Nations, Officials, Ones, Princes, Rulers, Summoned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 20:25

     5509   rulers
     7735   leaders, political

Matthew 20:20-28

     2060   Christ, patience of
     5937   rivalry

Matthew 20:20-31

     5554   status

Matthew 20:25-26

     2081   Christ, wisdom

Matthew 20:25-27

     5220   authority, abuse

Matthew 20:25-28

     2339   Christ, example of
     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     5216   authority, nature of
     5395   lordship, human and divine
     5857   fame
     7449   slavery, spiritual
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8308   modesty
     8409   decision-making, and providence

Library
February 2. "And Whosoever Will be Great among You, Let Him be Your Minister. And Whosoever Will be Chief among You, Let Him be Your Servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27).
"And whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matt. xx. 26, 27). Slave is the literal meaning of the word, doulos. The first word used for service is diakanos, which means a minister to others in any usual way or work: but the word doulos means a bond slave, and the Lord here plainly teaches us that the highest service is that of a bond slave. He Himself made Himself the servant of all, and he who would come
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Nearest to Christ
'To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father.'--MATT. xx. 23. You will observe that an unusually long supplement is inserted by our translators in this verse. That supplement is quite unnecessary, and, as is sometimes the case, is even worse than unnecessary. It positively obscures the true meaning of the words before us. As they stand in our Bibles, the impression that they leave upon one's mind is that Christ in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Servant-Lord and his Servants
'Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.'--MATT. xx. 28. It seems at first sight strangely unsympathetic and irrelevant that the ambitious request of James and John and their foolish mother, that they should sit at Christ's right hand and His left in His kingdom, should have been occasioned by, and have followed immediately upon, our Lord's solemn and pathetic announcement of His sufferings. But the connection is not difficult to trace. The disciples believed that,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What the Historic Christ Taught About his Death
'The Son of Man came... to give His life a ransom for many.'--Matt. xx. 28. We hear a great deal at present about going back to 'the Christ of the Gospels.' In so far as that phrase and the movement of thought which it describes are a protest against the substitution of doctrines for the Person whom the doctrines represent, I, for one, rejoice in it. But I believe that the antithesis suggested by the phrase, and by some of its advocates avowed, between the Christ of the Gospels and the Christ of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Blind Bartimeus
Mark 10:52 -- "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." When the apostle Peter was recommending Jesus of Nazareth, in one of his sermons to the Jews, he gave him a short, but withal a glorious and exalted character, "That we went about doing good." He went about, he sought occasions of doing good; it was his meat and drink to do the works of him that sent him, whilst the day of his public administration
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the Gospel, Matt. xx. 1, "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like unto a Man That
1. Ye have heard out of the Holy Gospel a parable well suited to the present season, concerning the labourers in the vineyard. For now is the time of the material [2841] vintage. Now there is also a spiritual vintage, wherein God rejoiceth in the fruit of His vineyard. For we cultivate God, and God cultivateth us. [2842] But we do not so cultivate God as to make Him any better thereby. For our cultivation is the labour of the heart, not of the hands. [2843] He cultivateth us as the husbandman doth
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men Sitting by the Way Side, and Crying Out, "Lord, have Mercy On
1. Ye know, Holy Brethren, full well as we do, that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Physician of our eternal health; and that to this end He took the weakness of our nature, that our weakness might not last for ever. For He assumed a mortal body, wherein to kill death. And, "though He was crucified through weakness," as the Apostle saith, "yet He liveth by the power of God." [2870] They are the words too of the same Apostle; "He dieth no more, and death shall have no more dominion over Him."
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Divine Sovereignty
We must assume, before we commence our discourse, one thing certain, namely, that all blessings are gifts and that we have no claim to them by our own merit. This I think every considerate mind will grant. And this being admitted, we shall endeavour to show that he has a right, seeing they are his own to do what he wills with them--to withhold them wholly is he pleaseth--to distribute them all if he chooseth--to give to some and not to others--to give to none or to give to all, just as seemeth good
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus
"And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."--Matthew 20:17-19. YOU HAVE THIS SAME STORY in Matthew and Mark and Luke, a little differently told; as would naturally be the case
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Particular Redemption
I begin this morning with the doctrine of Redemption. "He gave his life a ransom for many." The doctrine of Redemption is one of the most important doctrines of the system of faith. A mistake on this point will inevitably lead to a mistake through the entire system of our belief. Now, you are aware that there are different theories of Redemption. All Christians hold that Christ died to redeem, but all Christians do not teach the same redemption. We differ as to the nature of atonement, and as to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
(From the Gospel for the day) In this Sermon following we are taught how we must perpetually press forward towards our highest good, without pause or rest; and how we must labour in the spiritual vineyard that it may bring forth good fruit. Matt. xx. 1.--"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard." THIS householder went out early at the first hour, and again at the third and at the sixth hours, and hired
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind
I. Ye know, holy brethren, full well as we do, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the physician of our eternal health; and that to this end we task the weakness of our natures, that our weakness might not last forever. For He assumed a mortal body, wherein to kill death. And, "though He was crucified through weakness," as the apostle saith, yet He "liveth by the power of God." They are the words, too, of the same apostle: "He dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over Him." These things,
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the Four Gospels and the Acts...
The historical books of the New Testament, meaning thereby the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, are quoted, or alluded to, by a series of Christian writers, beginning with those who were contemporary with the apostles, or who immediately followed them, and proceeding in close and regular succession from their time to the present. The medium of proof stated in this proposition is, of all others, the most unquestionable, the least liable to any practices of fraud, and is not diminished by
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cii. Bartimæus and his Companion Healed.
(at Jericho.) ^A Matt. XX. 29-34; ^B Mark X. 46-52; ^C Luke XVIII. 35-43. ^c 35 And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. [Jesus came from the Jordan, and was entering Jericho by its eastern gate. As the crowd following Jesus passed by, Bartimæus asked its meaning and learned of the presence of Jesus. Jesus on this
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome.
IT pleased God, to whom all his works are known from eternity, to prepare Gregory by a twofold process, for the great and difficult work of the guidance of the Western Church, then agitated by so many storms. Destined to be plunged into the midst of an immense multitude of avocations of the most varied character, he was trained to bear such a burden by administering, until his fortieth year, an important civil office. Then, yielding to a long-felt yearning of his heart, he retired into a monastery,
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Blessing of Being with Good People. How Certain Illusions were Removed.
1. I began gradually to like the good and holy conversation of this nun. How well she used to speak of God! for she was a person of great discretion and sanctity. I listened to her with delight. I think there never was a time when I was not glad to listen to her. She began by telling me how she came to be a nun through the mere reading of the words of the Gospel "Many are called, and few are chosen." [1] She would speak of the reward which our Lord gives to those who forsake all things for His
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Why Men do not Attain Quickly to the Perfect Love of God. Of Four Degrees of Prayer. Of the First Degree. The Doctrine Profitable for Beginners,
1. I speak now of those who begin to be the servants of love; that seems to me to be nothing else but to resolve to follow Him in the way of prayer, who has loved us so much. It is a dignity so great, that I have a strange joy in thinking of it; for servile fear vanishes at once, if we are, as we ought to be, in the first degree. O Lord of my soul, and my good, how is it that, when a soul is determined to love Thee--doing all it can, by forsaking all things, in order that it may the better occupy
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

The First Last, and the Last First
"But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."--Matthew 19:30. "So the last shall be first, and the first last."--Matthew 20:16. WE MUST BE SAVED if we would serve the Lord. We cannot serve God in an unsaved condition. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is vain for them to attempt service while they are still at enmity against God. The Lord wants not enemies to wait upon him, nor slaves to grace his throne. We must be saved first; and salvation is all of grace.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life
The idea that the grace of God should lead us to licentiousness is utterly loathsome to every Christian man. We cannot endure it. The notion that the doctrines of grace give license to sin, comes from the devil, and we scout it with a detestation more deep than words can express. "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" On our first entrance upon a Christian profession, we are met by the ordinance of baptism, which teaches the necessity of purification. Baptism is, in its very
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Compassion of Jesus
THIS is said of Christ Jesus several times in the New Testament. The original word is a very remarkable one. It is not found in classic Greek. It is not found in the Septuagint. The fact is, it was a word coined by the evangelists themselves. They did not find one in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose, and therefore they had to make one. It is expressive of the deepest emotion; a striving of the bowels--a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. As the dictionaries tell us-- Ex
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

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