Matthew 20:25 - But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 20:25" mean?
This verse, Matthew 20:25, is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and his disciples about who is the greatest among them. To understand the verse, it's crucial to consider the context:
The Setting: James and John, through their mother, ask Jesus for special positions of honor in his kingdom (specifically, sitting on his right and left). This request angers the other disciples.
The Problem: The disciples are caught up in worldly ideas of power and status. They are thinking in terms of hierarchy and dominance, like the rulers they see around them.
Meaning of the Verse:
Jesus is contrasting the way power is typically used in the world with how it should be used in his kingdom. He says:
"You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them...": Jesus points out that worldly rulers act as masters over their subjects. They exert control, demand obedience, and often exploit their power for personal gain. The phrase "lord it over" suggests a domineering, oppressive, and self-serving exercise of authority.
"...and their great ones exercise authority over them.": He reinforces the same idea, emphasizing that even the important officials ("great ones") in worldly governments use their position to command and control others. The "exercise authority" phrase highlights the imposition of will, the making of decisions for others, and the wielding of influence.
In essence, Jesus is saying, "You've observed how the world works: those in charge dominate and control."
Implications:
Critique of Worldly Power: Jesus implicitly critiques the way power is often used in the world. He points out the potential for abuse and the self-serving nature of those in positions of authority.
Contrast with Kingdom Values: Jesus is setting up a contrast to the kind of leadership he expects from his followers. He will go on to say that in his kingdom, true greatness is found in service and humility.
Reversal of Expectations: The verse prepares the disciples (and us) for a radical redefinition of leadership. It is not about ruling and being served, but about serving and giving oneself for others.
In conclusion, Matthew 20:25 is a key verse in understanding Jesus's teachings on leadership and power. He highlights the flawed and often oppressive way power is wielded in the world as a prelude to explaining how leadership in his kingdom is fundamentally different - marked by humility, service, and self-sacrifice.
Matthew 20:25 - But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
What does "Matthew 20:25" mean?
This verse, Matthew 20:25, is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and his disciples about who is the greatest among them. To understand the verse, it's crucial to consider the context:
The Setting: James and John, through their mother, ask Jesus for special positions of honor in his kingdom (specifically, sitting on his right and left). This request angers the other disciples.
The Problem: The disciples are caught up in worldly ideas of power and status. They are thinking in terms of hierarchy and dominance, like the rulers they see around them.
Meaning of the Verse:
Jesus is contrasting the way power is typically used in the world with how it should be used in his kingdom. He says:
"You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them...": Jesus points out that worldly rulers act as masters over their subjects. They exert control, demand obedience, and often exploit their power for personal gain. The phrase "lord it over" suggests a domineering, oppressive, and self-serving exercise of authority.
"...and their great ones exercise authority over them.": He reinforces the same idea, emphasizing that even the important officials ("great ones") in worldly governments use their position to command and control others. The "exercise authority" phrase highlights the imposition of will, the making of decisions for others, and the wielding of influence.
In essence, Jesus is saying, "You've observed how the world works: those in charge dominate and control."
Implications:
Critique of Worldly Power: Jesus implicitly critiques the way power is often used in the world. He points out the potential for abuse and the self-serving nature of those in positions of authority.
Contrast with Kingdom Values: Jesus is setting up a contrast to the kind of leadership he expects from his followers. He will go on to say that in his kingdom, true greatness is found in service and humility.
Reversal of Expectations: The verse prepares the disciples (and us) for a radical redefinition of leadership. It is not about ruling and being served, but about serving and giving oneself for others.
In conclusion, Matthew 20:25 is a key verse in understanding Jesus's teachings on leadership and power. He highlights the flawed and often oppressive way power is wielded in the world as a prelude to explaining how leadership in his kingdom is fundamentally different - marked by humility, service, and self-sacrifice.