Matthew 20:24-27

James and John’s request evidently offended the other disciples because they were hoping for those positions. Greatness in the kingdom was still much on their minds despite Jesus’ teaching on humility and childlikeness (cf. Matthew 18:10).

"The fact that the other disciples were angered at James and John shows that they were in heart and spirit no better than the two brothers. . . . They all wanted the first place." [Note: W. A. Criswell, Expository Notes on the Gospel of Matthew, p. 117.]

Jesus proceeded to contrast greatness in the pagan Gentile world with greatness in His kingdom. He did not criticize the abuse of power that is so common in pagan governments. Rather He explained that the structure of power that exists in pagan governments would be absent in His kingdom. In pagan governments people who promote themselves over others often get positions of leadership. However in Jesus’ kingdom those who place themselves under others will get those positions. In pagan governments those are great who have others serving them, but in Jesus’ kingdom those who serve others will be great. To make His point even clearer Jesus used "servant" (Gr. diakonos) in Matthew 20:26 and then "slave" (Gr. doulos) in Matthew 20:27.