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must be the slave of all
The term "slave" here is translated from the Greek word "doulos," which implies complete devotion and service to others. In the historical context, slavery was a common institution in the Roman world, often associated with a lack of freedom and dignity. However, Jesus uses this imagery to illustrate the radical call to servanthood in His kingdom. This concept is further exemplified in Jesus' own life, as seen inPhilippians 2:7, where He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." The call to be a "slave of all" is a call to selflessness and sacrificial love, mirroring Christ's example. This teaching is a fulfillment of the prophecy inIsaiah 53, where the Messiah is depicted as a suffering servant, highlighting the paradoxical nature of true greatness in God's eyes.

Jesus is walking toward Jerusalem. The Twelve are jockeying for status, and James and John have just asked for places of honor (Mark 10:35-37). Gathering them all, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). This is not a suggestion—it is the Kingdom’s charter for greatness. CompareMatthew 20:25-28, where the same teaching follows the identical ambition; greatness in Christ’s Kingdom flips the world’s values on their head (cf.Luke 22:24-27).

• Jesus acknowledges the natural human desire to excel.

• The verb “wants” tells us ambition itself isn’t condemned—its direction is.

• Scripture never forbids longing for reward (Hebrews 11:6) or crowns (2 Timothy 4:8); it redirects that longing toward God’s approval (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

• “First” here means the place of highest honor, reminiscent of seats at banquets (Luke 14:7-11). The Lord says, “If you aim for that position, let Me redefine the pathway.”

• “Must” indicates divine necessity, not a mere option. Obedience to Christ always carries imperative weight (John 14:15).

• “Slave” (doulos) pictures permanent, unconditional service. Unlike a hired servant who can clock out, a slave belongs to the master and lives for the master’s agenda (Romans 6:17-18).

• Paul embraces this identity when he calls himself “a slave of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1) and says, “I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians 9:19).

• The scope is universal. We do not choose preferred recipients of our service; we serve “all,” echoingGalatians 5:13, “Serve one another in love.”

• Jesus washes Judas’ feet as well as John’s (John 13:1-5). No human is beneath our ministry.

• This includes enemies (Luke 6:27-35) and the socially invisible (Mark 9:37).

Immediately after verse 44, Jesus anchors the command: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

• If the eternal Son chooses the lowest place, His followers cannot claim an exemption (Philippians 2:5-8).

• His cross-shaped service is both substitutionary (1 Peter 2:24) and exemplary (John 13:14-15).

• Greatness, then, is cruciform: the higher the calling, the deeper the descent (2 Corinthians 8:9).

• Assess motives: Are we driven by applause or by love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)?

• Start small: Practical deeds—doing dishes, sharing resources, visiting the sick—embody slavery-to-all (James 1:27).

• Leverage influence: Those with authority (parents, pastors, managers) lead by serving, not by lording (1 Peter 5:2-3).

• Trust God’s vindication: “Humble yourselves... that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Mark 10:44 declares that true greatness embraces the lowest status. Ambition redirected toward Christ becomes a passion to serve every person, mirroring the path the Lord Himself walked. In His kingdom, the only ladder to the top runs downward, and the nail-scarred hands that washed feet show us exactly how to climb it.

Parallel Commentaries ...