John Calvin Commentary Matthew 20:26

"Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;" — Matthew 20:26 (ASV)

It shall not be so among you. There can be no doubt that Christ refers to the foolish imagination by which he saw that the apostles were deceived. “It is foolish and improper for you,” he says, “to imagine a kingdom that is unsuitable for me. Therefore, if you desire to serve me faithfully, you must adopt a different method: that each of you should strive to serve others.”⁶⁶⁶

But whoever wishes to be great among you, let him be your servant. These words are used in an unusual sense, because ambition does not allow a person to be devoted, or rather, to be subject to his brothers.

I acknowledge that abject flattery is practiced by those who aspire to honors, but nothing is further from their intention than to serve. But Christ’s meaning is not difficult to perceive. Since everyone is carried away by self-love, he declares that this passion ought to be directed to a different object. Let the only greatness, eminence, and rank that you desire be to submit to your brothers. Let this be your primacy: to be the servants of all.

⁶⁶⁶ “De se rendre serviteur a ses compagnons;” — “to become a servant to his companions.”;” — “to become a servant to his companions.”