Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Read Chapter 20
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
A redemption for many; i.e. for all, as it is sometimes the style of the Scriptures. See St. Paul, 1 Timothy ii. 6. (Witham)
Certain Puritans pretend from this part of holy Scripture, that all superiority is forbidden; but it is merely pride, ambition, and haughtiness, not superiority, that is here proscribed. Jesus Christ himself, as Son of man, was their and our Superior, Lord, and Master, notwithstanding his humility. (Bristow)
For the divine appointment of both civil and ecclesiastical government, see Romans xiii. 2.; and 1 Corinthians xii. 28.; Hebrews chap. xiii. 7, 17.
They do not lay it upon the forwardness of the mother who spoke the request, but upon her sons, who, not knowing their measure, burned with so immoderate desires.
But the meek and lowly Master neither charges the two with ambition, nor rebukes the ten for their spleen and jealousy; but, “Jesus called them unto him.”.
Lastly, He sets before them His own example, that so should they little weigh His words, His deeds might shame them, whence He adds, “As also the Son of Manco meth not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”
So long as the judgment of Christ upon this request was in suspense, the other disciples were not indignant; but when they heard Him rebuke them, they were sorrowful; whence it is said, “And when the ten heard it, they had indignation against the two brethren.”.
For when the Lord rebuked them, then they perceived that this request was from the disciples. For though they were grieved in their hearts when they saw themso especially honoured in the transfiguration, they yet dared not so express themselves, out of respect to their teacher.
By thus calling them to Him, and speaking to them face to face, he sooths themin their discomposure; for the two had been speaking with the Lord apart by themselves. But not now as before does He it by bringing forward a child, but He proves it to them by reasoning from contraries; “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them.”.
He shows here that it is of the Gentiles to desire preeminence; and by this comparison of the Gentiles...
And in proof that I say not these things without cause, by the things which I do and suffer, receive the proof of my sayings. For I have myself done something even more. For being King of the powers above, I was willing to become man, and I submitted to be despised, and despitefully entreated. And not even with these things was I satisfied, but even unto death did I come. Therefore, He says,
Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 For not even at this did I stop, says He, but even my life did I give a ransom; and for whom? For enemies. But thou if you are abused, it is for yourself, but I for you.
Be not then afraid, as though your honor were plucked down. For however much you humble yourself, you cannot descend so much as your Lord. And yet His descent has become the ascent of all, and has made His own glory shine forth. For before He was made man, He was known among angels only; but after He w...
When the ten saw the two being rebuked by the Lord, then they, too, became indignant, revealing that even prior to this they had been annoyed at the honor which these two were given. For they were yet imperfect, the two rising up against the ten, and the ten envious of the two. As the ten were stirred up when they heard this, He called them to Himself, and by His calling, before any words were spoken, He calmed them. For the sons of Zebedee spoke to Him after they had separated themselves from the others. Therefore He speaks to them all together. Knowing how tyrannical is the pride of status, requiring a severe rebuke, He touches them to the quick by consigning them to the lot of Gentiles and infidels if they would be vainglorious. So He shames them by saying, "Other men are renowned as princes and rulers, and the lust for high position is a passion of the Gentiles; but My disciples are made honorable by their humility. So that he who would be great ought to serve the most inferior in ...
