Verses 41-44
The jealous reaction of the other disciples shows that selfish ambition also motivated them. [Note: Cf. Cole, p. 170.] Jesus had to repeat His teaching about greatness because the disciples had not learned its lesson (Mark 9:33-37). [Note: See Santos, pp. 23-25.]
Rule and authority in the kingdom come by faithful and humble service in the present age. [Note: See idem, "The Paradox of Authority and Servanthood in the Gospel of Mark," Bibliotheca Sacra 154:616 (October-December 1997):452-60.] The disciples needed to concentrate on present service rather than future honor. The godless world focuses on the benefits of position. Disciples of Jesus should concentrate on qualifying for honor. The godless even exercise authority prematurely by lording it over others. Disciples should voluntarily place themselves under others to help them. A slave (Gr. doulos) was one who sacrificed his or her rights to serve others (cf. Luke 22:24-30).
Notice that Jesus did not rebuke the disciples for wanting to be great in the kingdom. This ambition is good. He corrected them for focusing on self-centered goals rather than on altruistic goals, and He clarified the method for obtaining greatness.
"Here is the paradox of the Kingdom of God. Instead of being lords, its great ones become servants, and its chiefs the bond-servants of all." [Note: Gould, p. 202.]
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