Mat 20:26 | RWP | e4.org | Would become great ( ος αν θελη μεγας γενεσθα ). Jesus does not condemn the desire to become great. It is a laudable ambition. There are "great ones" ( μεγαλο ) among Christians as among pagans, but they do not "lord it over" one another ( κατακυριευουσιν ), a LXX word and very expressive, or "play the tyrant" ( κατεξουσιαζουσιν ), another suggestive word. Your minister ( υμων διακονος ). This word may come from δια and κονις (dust), to raise a dust by one's hurry, and so to minister. It is a general word for servant and is used in a variety of ways including the technical sense of our "deacon" in . But it more frequently is applied to ministers of the Gospel ( ). The way to be "first" ( πρωτος ), says Jesus, is to be your "servant" ( δουλος ), "bond-servant" (verse ). This is a complete reversal of popular opinion then and now.

‏ Matthew 20:26

Would become great ( ος αν θελη μεγας γενεσθα ). Jesus does not condemn the desire to become great. It is a laudable ambition. There are "great ones" ( μεγαλο ) among Christians as among pagans, but they do not "lord it over" one another ( κατακυριευουσιν ), a LXX word and very expressive, or "play the tyrant" ( κατεξουσιαζουσιν ), another suggestive word.

Your minister ( υμων διακονος ). This word may come from δια and κονις (dust), to raise a dust by one's hurry, and so to minister. It is a general word for servant and is used in a variety of ways including the technical sense of our "deacon" in Php. 1:1. But it more frequently is applied to ministers of the Gospel (1Co 3:5). The way to be "first" ( πρωτος ), says Jesus, is to be your "servant" ( δουλος ), "bond-servant" (verse 27). This is a complete reversal of popular opinion then and now.