Church Fathers Commentary Mark 10:41-45

"And when the ten heard it, they began to be moved with indignation concerning James and John. And Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you: but whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." — Mark 10:41-45 (ASV)

Theophylact of Ohrid: The other Apostles are indignant at seeing James and John seeking honor, which is why it is said, And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. Influenced by human feelings, they were moved with envy.

Their initial displeasure arose because they saw that they were not singled out by the Lord; before this, they were not displeased, because they saw that they themselves were honored above the others. At this time the Apostles were still imperfect, but afterward, they would yield the chief place to one another.

Christ, however, cures them. First, He draws them to Himself to comfort them, which is what is meant when it says, But Jesus called them to him. Then, He shows them that usurping honor and desiring the chief place is characteristic of the Gentiles.

Therefore, it continues: And saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

The great ones of the Gentiles thrust themselves into the chief place, ruling tyrannically and as lords.

It continues: But so shall it not be among you.

The Venerable Bede: In this, He teaches that the one who is greater is the one who is less, and that the one who becomes the lord is the servant of all. Therefore, it was pointless for one party to seek excessive things and for the other to be annoyed at their desire for greater things, since we arrive at the height of virtue not by power, but by humility.

He then offers an example, so that if they regarded His words lightly, His actions might make them ashamed, saying, For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Theophylact of Ohrid: This is a greater thing than to minister. For what can be greater or more wonderful than for a person to die for the one he serves?

Nevertheless, this service and humble condescension was His glory, and the glory of all. For before He was made man, He was known only to the angels; but now that He has become man and has been crucified, He not only has glory Himself but has also brought others to share in His glory, ruling by faith over the whole world.

The Venerable Bede: He did not say, however, that He gave His life as a ransom for all, but for many—that is, for those who would believe in Him.