Mark 10:43b - Servants Are The Greatest!

Mark 10:43b; Servants Are The Greatest!

Mark 10:43b (KJV)  Whosoever will be great among you, shall be 
your minister: 

Mark 10:43b (NIV)  Whoever wants to become great among you must 
be your servant, 

Mark 10:43b (CWR)  The one who wants to be the greatest among 
you must be willing to serve the rest of you.  

The literal translation of "minister" is "servant" or 
"attendant." In Jesus' kingdom, it is the servants and attendants who are the 
greatest. Jesus is looking for that quality of character that makes a man 
willing to do the domestic duties and everyday chores for everyone else. 
[Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary] 

If the great men in his kingdom will be servants, the greatest 
will be slaves. The one at the top of the ladder in Jesus' kingdom 
can expect to be stepped on by everyone else here on earth. The 
slave was on the lowest rung of the social ladder. [Jamieson, Fausset, 
And Brown Commentary] 

James and John wanted the highest positions in Jesus' kingdom. 
But Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. 
Most businesses, organizations, and institutions measure greatness by 
high personal achievement. In Christ's kingdom, however, service is 
the way to get ahead. The desire to be on top will hinder, not help. 
Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can 
minister to the needs of others. [Life Application SB] 

The life of discipleship is to be characterized by humble and 
loving service. [NIV SB] 

The natural pride of man asks for self-glory.  God's way is to 
serve.  This is one of the most powerful principles in Scripture.  
Regardless of position, you can always be a servant.  That isn't being a 
doormat. It never includes doing something illegal or immoral.  But how 
often do we take offense if we are asked to do something "below" us.  
Wisdom must be used, and balance maintained.  Even so, much hurt will 
be avoided, when we take this principle to heart.  And having the 
heart of a servant protects us in a marvelous way because God protects 
us as we serve Him.  Are you a true servant?  Whether you are a 
janitor, teacher or CEO of a great company, believers are all called to 
"be the willing slave of all."  [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]