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Explanation for:
Matthew
20
:
25
But Jesus called them to him, and said: You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that are the greater, exercise power upon them.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Due to their distress, the Lord first seeks to soothe them by calling them closer rather than through mere words. As two of the disciples, separated from the others, stood nearby speaking privately with Jesus, He also called the rest of the group. He intended not only to share what He had discussed in private but also to temper their fervent emotions. However, the Lord’s admonition to the disciples differs from His previous approach. Earlier, He had brought children before them to illustrate the need for their simplicity and humility. Now, He contrasts their behavior more sharply, declaring, “You know that the princes of the nations lord it over them, and the nobles exercise authority over them; but it shall not be so among you: and whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant.” In these statements, He indicates that the longing for superiority is characteristic only of the Gentiles. This desire is indeed a powerful affliction, troubling even those in high positions, thus requiring a strong rebuke. Consequently, He pierces their hearts, exposing their prideful mindset by drawing comparisons to the Gentiles. He aims to eradicate envy in some and pride in others, essentially telling them, “Do not hold them in contempt as those who take offense; those who chase after greatness are often ashamed of their own condition: they are among the last.” He emphasizes that their way is different from that of the Gentiles; while the rulers dominate them, in His kingdom, the last shall be first. The Lord explains, “You know that the princes of the nations lord it over them.” He demonstrates this truth by His own example, stating, “I am the King of all, yet I chose to become human, to face scorn and rejection; but I did not stop there—I even faced death itself.”"},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The sentiments expressed in the passages cited by Matthew and Mark highlight the notion that leaders of nations exercise authority over their people, yet among His followers, it is not to be this way; rather, the one who is greatest will serve all. This teaching also appears in the Gospel of Luke, albeit in a different context. The order of these accounts indicates that the Lord reaffirmed this instruction on two separate occasions."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As the ten became distressed upon hearing the words of the Lord, He calls them to Himself, soothing their hearts even before the dialogue begins. The sons of Zebedee had previously been in a private discussion with Him, but now He addresses all of them collectively. Aware of the intense desire for supremacy among them, which must be confronted decisively, He shares some harsh truths with the disciples, labeling them as Gentiles and unbelievers for their pursuit of glory. In His admonishment, He states: “Other men glory in their power, but to love power is a pagan passion.”"},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Jesus called to them and spoke. As the two approached Him and began conversing, He also summoned the rest, reassuring those who were troubled by highlighting the bond between Him and them. He then remarked, You know that the rulers of the nations exercise authority over their subjects, and the powerful dominate them. Aware that the two disciples sought a position of prominence over the others, He condemned this intent as worldly. He pointed out that the rulers of the Gentiles and their dignitaries exercise control over others."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord, sensing their distress, sought to calm the troubled disciples by beckoning them closer and addressing them individually. These two disciples, having separated from the other ten, were speaking with Him in solitude. By calling out to all the disciples, He intended to share privately discussed truths, also helping to alleviate their emotional turmoil. The Lord articulated the foundational moral tenets for the members of His kingdom — emphasizing humility and selflessness, which stood in stark contrast to the principles of worldly ethics. In secular cultures, leaders often assert dominance over their people, and the powerful impose their will upon the weak. However, within My kingdom, the dynamics are reversed: the greatest among you must be the servant of all, adopting a mindset that acknowledges their inferiority to others and embracing a spirit of self-denial. This does not imply that there would be no hierarchy in the body of Christ, as the Lord designated the apostles with a special authority over other believers. Instead, He illustrates the moral framework that should govern the interactions between leaders and those they guide. The Lord highlights that the desire for status and recognition is characteristic of the Gentiles, whose relentless ambition can lead to suffering, especially for those in positions of power. Therefore, He addresses this very issue, aiming to humble their proud hearts by directing a comparison to Gentile behaviors. For some, this reproach extinguishes jealousy, while for others, it confronts their arrogance."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Our Lord was saddened to witness the selfishness and lack of camaraderie among His cherished disciples. Yet, in His desire to comfort and instruct them, Jesus drew them closer than the rest of the disciples who were complaining about the two brothers. He revealed to them the fundamental principle of conduct for anyone aspiring to be part of His Kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to that of the Gentiles: a profound humility and self-sacrifice. As a compassionate Father, He reminded them that only the Gentiles seek to assert dominance, saying: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them; they are ensnared by the admiration of others because they lack an understanding of God's glory; they hasten to elevate themselves on earth as they possess no expectation of eternal life in heaven."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Teaching on Humility The appeal made by James and John stirred resentment among the other disciples. Upon hearing their complaints, Jesus gathered them together and remarked: \\"You are aware that in this world, the rulers of the nations assert dominance over their people, and the influential exercise authority over them (Matt. 20:25); however, My kingdom differs from the kingdoms of this world. Therefore, if anyone desires to be part of My kingdom, they must not behave in this manner: whoever aspires to greatness must serve everyone, and whoever longs to be first must be last, embracing the role of a servant. I did not come into this world to dominate or to be served, but to serve and to offer My life as a ransom for many; you should follow My example. And even if you faithfully adhere to My commands and fulfill all that is expected of you, do not become arrogant or elevate yourselves, for you will merely be faithful servants of God's purpose, carrying out the responsibilities He has entrusted to you."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Summoning all twelve of His disciples, Christ reiterated the misunderstanding they had regarding the kingdom of heaven, clarifying once again its genuine essence, which stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The words of the Savior revealed to the sons of Zebedee that they did not fully comprehend their request. Although this dialogue occurred away from the apostles, it quickly reached the other ten, stirring grievances and resentment against those who sought prominence, which became a source of offense. The Lord then called those who were upset and clarified the essential principle of Gospel teachings—loving one another with genuine humility. He remarked, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Through this guidance, Jesus Christ addressed the disciples’ ambitions directly, indicating that His mission was not about worldly power but rather about suffering and sacrificial death for humanity's transgressions. The Apostles were to learn from their Master’s example that the true path to honor lies in humility and selfless service for the welfare of others, a glory that is neither fleeting nor empty but eternal and genuine."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Although the Lord did not explicitly promise to grant the request of the sons of Zebedee, their inquiry incited jealousy among the other apostles, leading to their resentment towards James and John. In response, the Lord gathered them and imparted a teaching on humility, exemplifying this virtue through His own life."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"While the other disciples did not overhear this discussion, they quickly grasped its topic. This led to dissatisfaction and murmuring among them, a reaction that, although not entirely unjust for those vying for prominence, was ultimately empty, as they sought the unattainable. Peter, who was as notable among Jesus' followers as the sons of Salome, and rightly so, could not help but feel particularly discontent. However, he never reached such a level of ambition as to desire authority over his fellow disciples, being content with the Master's assurance that each would be granted a unique throne. The collective discontent among the disciples provided a pivotal opportunity for the Lord to impart a valuable lesson on humility and brotherly love. \\n\\n\\"You know,\\" the Lord addressed them as He gathered them close, \\"how earthly rulers exercise their authority: by demanding service and obedience, seeking glory and elevation. But among you, My disciples, these attitudes must not exist; no one should pursue recognition that comes at the expense of others. Rather, if anyone wishes to be the greatest, let them serve you. If anyone longs to be first, let them be your servant. Remember,\\" He urged, redirecting their attention to a matter they had overlooked yet was paramount, \\"the Son of Man, to whom all glory belongs, did not come here as many wrongly assume, to conquer nations and receive accolades from others. Instead, His mission was to bestow such gifts and to sacrifice His very life for the redemption of humanity.\\" \\n\\nThus, the disciples, despite their inability to agree on the Messiah's dignity—His suffering and death—heard Jesus reiterate that this was the fundamental purpose for which He came into the world. The frequent and emphatic reminders of this might have permanently dispelled their aspirations for worldly glory; however, their strong bias against the earthly kingdom of their Master hindered complete understanding of His mission, even the cross and Calvary could not fully change that perspective. After the resurrection, when He first appeared to them, they inquired, “Have you restored the kingdom of Israel at this time?” It was not until the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that they experienced a profound awakening, dispelling all worldly notions from their hearts, allowing them to echo the words of St. Paul: “Though we once knew Christ according to the flesh, we now know Him thus no longer.\\""}]}
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