Matthew 20:26 - Exposition

It shall not be so among you. There is good authority for reading "is" instead of "shall be." The new order of things was already prepared. In Messiah's kingdom a contrary rule holds good. There the governors rule solely for the good of the flock, with no self-seeking, and serving no private interests. Whosoever will be ( ὁ Ì ς ἐα Ì ν θε ì λη … γενε ì σθαι : whosoever would fain become ) great among you … minister ( δια ì κονος ). Taking for granted that there will be ranks and gradations of office in the Church, Christ lays down the rule that men become governors therein in order that they may serve their brethren, be the ministers of those who are subject to them. So the pope, in his official documents, with a verbally proper humility, terms himself, " Servus servorum Dei ."