Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 10:44

"and whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all." — Mark 10:44 (ASV)

Although Jesus had previously rebuked the spirit of ambition and jealousy among his disciples (cf. 9:35), it was still very much alive in them. The other ten were indignant with James and John. None of the disciples had yet in the least comprehended what Jesus had meant when he spoke of his passion. So Jesus had to give them another lesson in what greatness is. The Gentile rulers loved to be in charge. But this is not the way it should be among true followers of Jesus (v.43), where greatness is achieved by humble service (v.44). This is the great paradox of the kingdom of God.