greatness

In Mark 10.35-44, James and John asked Jesus to grant them greatness. The reply speaks volumes (v. 43-45).

"But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

He doesn't confront them for desiring greatness, instead he informs our understanding of true greatness. True greatness is the ability to serve others, to be truly humble.

This of course is consistent with the whole of Scripture. Honor comes from and through God as we humble and lower ourselves (Pro 15.33; 18.12; 22.12; 29.23).