BURKITT : | Mr 10V1-12 | Mr 10V13-16 | Mr 10:17 | Mr 10:18 | Mr 10:19 | Mr 10:20 | Mr 10:21-22 | Mr 10:23-27 | Mr 10:28-31 | Mr 10:32-34 | Mr 10:35-41 | Mr 10:42-45 | Mr 10v46-52 | KJV
Reference
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:42-45 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
To the end that our blessed Saviour might effectually quench those unhappy sparks of ambition which were kindled in his apostles’ minds, he tells them, that supremacy and dominion belong to secular princes, not to gospel ministers, who ought to carry themselves with humility and condescension one towards another. Not that Christ directs to parity and equality amongst his ministers, but only condemns the affectation of superiority, and the love of pre-eminency.
Learn hence, 1. That the ministers of Christ ought to be so far from affecting domination and superiority over their brethren that in imitation of their Lord and Master, they ought to account themselves fellow servants: The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
Observe, 2. That such ministers as do love and affect pre-eminence and superiority are most unfit for it; and they deserve it best who seek it least.
3. That the dignity and honour which the ministers of Christ should chiefly, yea only affect, is in another world; and the way to be greatest and highest there, is to be low and humble, mean in our own eyes, and little in our own esteem. See note on Mt 20:28.