Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:27

The moral greatness of service. There was nothing more characteristic of the teaching of Jesus, perhaps we may even say, nothing more novel in his teaching, than his reversion of the common notions of service. All the world over, and all the ages through, the ordinary man has seen dignity in "being served," and has seen a kind of indignity in "serving." This has come about in two ways. 1 . Through the exaggerated importance given to self . A man has come to be of more interest to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:28

Even as. Christ adduces his own example as a pattern of profound humility. To minister. By his incarnation Christ assumed the lowliest life of man. He took upon himself the form of a servant, and was ever active in ministering to others' wants, going about doing good, healing the sick, cleansing lepers, casting out demons; always accessible, sympathetic, merciful; never weary of teaching, however fatigued in body; a servant to the race which he came to save. A ransom for many; λυ ì ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:28

Christ the Servant and the Ransom. The immediate application of these words is to confirm the previous assertion of the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. But they are so intensely significant that they claim our attention on their own account. I. CHRIST THE SERVANT . This startling conjunction of titles is suggested even in the Old Testament, in the latter part of Isaiah. Jesus realizes the singular prophecy in deeper humility and self-denial. In the prophet the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 20:20-28

See also Mark 10:35-45.Matthew 20:20Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1.With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored.Worshipping him - Showing... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 20:24-28

Matthew 20:24-28. And when the ten heard it It is likely they overheard the conversation; they were moved with indignation Being not only equally desirous, but in their opinion equally deserving of the principal posts, they took it exceedingly amiss that Zebedee’s sons should have been so arrogant, and, it seems, expressed their resentment in words. But Jesus called them unto him, &c. Jesus, being solicitous to cure that pride which made some of them ambitious and others jealous,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 20:17-28

112. The request of James and John (Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34)As Jesus journeyed towards Jerusalem, he again spoke of his coming death and resurrection, but again his disciples misunderstood. They were still thinking mainly of an earthly kingdom of political power (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34).James and John therefore came to Jesus with a request that they might have the top positions in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21; Mark 10:35-37). Jesus, by using the words ‘cup’ and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 20:26

But = However. among. Greek. en. minister = servant (in relation to activity) . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 20:27

chief = first. servant = bond-servant (in relation to servitude). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 20:28

The fourth announcement of His sufferings. See note on Matthew 16:21 . to be ministered unto = to be served. to minister = to serve. life = soul. ransom = redemption price. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 35:31 ). App-117 .1. for = in the stead of. Greek. anti. App-104 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 20:28

Even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.It is strange that the disciples did not see that quality in Jesus, or, seeing it, seemed incapable of imitating it. His humility, meekness, and utter disregard of worldly ambition did not evoke any similar attitude on the part of the Twelve. The reason appears to be in this very text. They were still sold under sin. The great ransom for man's salvation had not yet been paid. True, the... read more

Group of Brands