Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 20:24-26

"And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;" — Matthew 20:24-26 (ASV)

Naturally, the other ten apostles did not welcome the attempt of the sons of Zebedee to gain an advantage over them. We never hear that they resented our Lord’s preference for Peter, James, and John, but when two of these sought precedence for themselves, they could not bear it. Peter was with them in this, for we read, When the ten heard it. Unanimously, they were angry with upstarts. That they were moved with indignation was proof that they were ambitious themselves, or at least that they were not willing to take the lowest place. Because they were guilty of the same fault, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers.

Here was a sad division in the little camp. How could it be healed? Jesus called them to him. He personally dealt with this rising evil and instructed the twelve to come aside and listen to something meant only for their private hearing. They were confusing His kingdom with the ordinary government of men, and therefore they dreamed of being great and exercising dominion in His name. But He wished them to correct their ideas and turn their thoughts another way. It was true that to be His followers was a highly honorable thing and made them partakers of a kingdom, but it was not like earthly kingdoms.

In the great Gentile monarchies, princes ruled by authority, force, and pomp, but in His kingdom the rule would be one of love, and the dignity would be that of service. He who could serve most would be the greatest. The lowliest would be the most honored. The most self-sacrificing would have the most power. Whenever we see the nobles of earth contending for precedence, we should hear our Master say, “But it shall not be so among you.” We must forever stop seeking honor, office, power, and influence. If we aim at greatness at all, it must be by being great in service, becoming the minister or servant of our brothers.