“Non ita est autem in vobis, sed quicumque voluerit fieri major, erit vester minister :”
“But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:”
“But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,”
“But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.”
“But it is not so 3779, Exodus71 among you: but whosoever 3739, 1437 would become great among you, shall be your minister;”
In vain then do men either seek for immoderate power, or sigh after human greatness; for, not power, but humility, is the sure and only path to the summit of perfection. He then proves to them by his own example, that if they would not believe his words, they might at least learn by his example. (Ven. Bede)
II. The check he gave to two of his disciples for their ambitious request. This story is much the same here as we had it Matt 20 20. Only there they are said to have made their request by their mother, here they are said to make it themselves; she introduced them, and presented their petition, and then they seconded it, and assented to it.
Verses 32-45 Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is good for them.