The greatest among youThis phrase challenges the conventional understanding of greatness. In the cultural context of the time, greatness was often associated with power, wealth, and social status. Jesus redefines greatness, emphasizing humility and service over authority and dominance. This teaching contrasts with the Pharisees' behavior, who sought honor and recognition (
Matthew 23:5-7). The concept of greatness is also addressed in
Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus explains that true greatness comes from serving others, reflecting His own mission.
shall be
The use of "shall be" indicates a definitive statement, not merely a suggestion. It implies a future reality that is certain and ordained by God. This aligns with the biblical principle that God's kingdom operates on different values than worldly systems. The certainty of this statement underscores the importance of adopting a servant's heart as a non-negotiable aspect of Christian discipleship.
your servant
The term "servant" here is translated from the Greek word "diakonos," which means one who serves or ministers. This is the same root word from which we get "deacon," a role of service within the early church (Acts 6:1-6). Jesus Himself exemplified this role, as seen inJohn 13:1-17, where He washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating that leadership in His kingdom is marked by humility and service. This teaching is a call to emulate Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the crowds and His disciples, teaching them about true greatness in the Kingdom of God.
2.
The DisciplesThe primary audience of Jesus' teachings, they are being instructed on the values of humility and servanthood.
3.
The Pharisees and ScribesReligious leaders of the time, often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and desire for status and recognition.
4.
JerusalemThe setting of this discourse, a central place in Jesus' ministry and the heart of Jewish religious life.
5.
The Kingdom of HeavenThe spiritual realm where God's will is fulfilled, characterized by values contrary to worldly standards, such as servanthood over authority.
Teaching Points
True Greatness DefinedIn the Kingdom of God, greatness is measured by one's willingness to serve others, not by status or power.
Servanthood as LeadershipJesus redefines leadership as servanthood, challenging believers to lead by example and humility.
Counter-Cultural ValuesThe call to servanthood is counter to worldly values that prioritize self-promotion and authority.
Following Christ's ExampleBelievers are called to emulate Jesus' example of humility and service, recognizing that He is the ultimate servant leader.
Humility in ActionPractical acts of service, such as helping those in need and putting others first, are tangible expressions of this teaching.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 23:11?
2.How can we embody being "the greatest among you" as a servant today?
3.What does Matthew 23:11 teach about true greatness in God's kingdom?
4.How does Matthew 23:11 connect with Jesus washing the disciples' feet?
5.In what ways can you serve others in your community this week?
6.How does serving others reflect Christ's teachings in Matthew 23:11?
7.How does Matthew 23:11 define true greatness in the eyes of God?
8.Why does Jesus emphasize servanthood in Matthew 23:11?
9.How does Matthew 23:11 challenge societal views on leadership and power?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23?
11.What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?
12.What is the definition of a bondservant?
13.What did Jesus mean by "first will be last"?
14.What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?What Does Matthew 23:11 Mean
The greatest- Jesus turns the common ladder of prestige upside down. In His kingdom, “greatness” is not measured by titles, visibility, or applause (cf.Matthew 20:26–27: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant”).
- God consistently honors the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6;1 Peter 5:5).
- True greatness is tied to character and Christlikeness, not earthly rank (Luke 22:26, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves”).
Among you- The directive is aimed at the believing community—those already following Jesus (John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another”).
- Service is to be lived out in everyday church life:
- Caring for practical needs (Acts 6:1–4).
- Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
- Using spiritual gifts to build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:7).
- “Among you” keeps us from lofty theories; the call is immediate and relational.
Shall be- Not a suggestion but an authoritative command. Jesus defines the non-negotiable pathway for any disciple who seeks honor in God’s eyes.
- The verb carries a future certainty: if you aspire to be first, you will find yourself serving. God ensures His children walk this road (Philippians 1:6).
- Obedience brings blessing: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17).
Your servant- A servant takes the lower place willingly, following the pattern of Christ: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
- Hallmarks of servanthood:
- Availability—ready to meet another’s need (Luke 10:33–34).
- Sacrifice—placing others’ good above personal comfort (Philippians 2:4–8).
- Quiet faithfulness—often unnoticed by crowds but celebrated by God (Matthew 6:4).
- Service is practical: washing feet (John 13:14–15), sharing resources (1 John 3:17), speaking words that build up (Ephesians 4:29).
- Far from diminishing dignity, serving aligns us with Christ’s own mission and secures eternal reward (Matthew 25:21).
summaryJesus redefines greatness: excellence in His kingdom flows through humble service to others. Within the believing community, every ambition is filtered through the command “shall be your servant.” Obedience to this pattern mirrors Christ’s heart, strengthens the church, and secures honor from the Father both now and forever.
(11)
He that is greatest among you.--Literally,
the greater of you. The words admit of a two-fold meaning. Either (1), as in
Mark 9:35, they assert a law of retribution--the man who seeks to be greatest shall be the servant of all; or (2) they point out the other law, of which our Lord's own life was the highest illustration--that he who is really greatest will show his greatness, not in asserting it, but in a life of ministration. The latter interpretation seems to give on the whole the best meaning.
Verse 11. -
But he that is greatest...your servant;διάκονος:
minister (see
Matthew 20:26, 27). It was there said to the apostles alone; here it is spoken more publicly to emphasize the contrast between Christian humility and Pharisaical pride and vanity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.greatestμείζων(meizōn)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.among youὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.shall beἔσται(estai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.servant.διάκονος(diakonos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1249:Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 23:11 But he who is greatest among you (Matt. Mat Mt) 
