Jesus’ Followers Compete for Honor

Watch: Why Jesus Says Greatness Starts with Serving Others

Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.

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Yesterday we talked about divided loyalty — the struggle of trying to trust two different things at the same time. Today, a new story unfolds on the road as Jesus leads the way toward Jerusalem, Jesus challenges His followers to completely change the way they define success.

The Request on the Road

James and John step forward from the group to talk to Jesus privately. With Jerusalem in sight and His death drawing near, they ask for the highest positions of honor: the seats at His right and His left in His kingdom. Even after traveling with Him for so long, they still view success the way human rulers do—focusing on high social status, pride, and political power.

The Cup and the Baptism

Jesus stops and looks directly at them. He asks if they are able to go through the same severe suffering and hardships that He is about to face. Without hesitating, the two brothers declare, “We can.” Jesus confirms that they will indeed suffer as He will. However, He makes it clear that these honors are not given out through favoritism. He shows them how completely they have misunderstood the path they are walking.

Anger Among the Disciples

When the other ten disciples hear about this conversation, they become very angry. The group splits, not because the other ten understand humility, but because they are upset that two of them tried to get the best positions first. This competition for rank and importance threatens to divide the whole group.

Jesus Redefines Greatness

Jesus steps into the argument and calls all twelve disciples together. He points out how worldly rulers control people by force and show off their authority. Then, He gives them a completely opposite rule: “It must not be that way among you.” Whoever wants to be great must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a helper to everyone.

The Ultimate Example

Jesus shows that He lives by this same standard: He did not come to be served, but to serve others, and to give His life to rescue many people. The disciples started the day competing for power; they leave realizing that the only way to be great in God’s kingdom is to follow their King in serving others.
Tomorrow, we will look closely at the exact words Jesus uses to redefine greatness and authority.