Though Mark’s gospel does not have the washing of the disciples’ feet found in the gospel of John, today’s passage has a similar message. While James and John seem to be close friends of Jesus, they obviously have not learned what it means to follow him. Jesus doesn’t promise worldly glory, but he does promise a share in his suffering. Imagine their surprise when he told them that the greatest of them would be the ones who served the rest.
They probably did not know what Jesus meant about their being baptized in death as Jesus would. But then how many people today know that leadership is a form of service? Whether you are head of a family, or of a nation, you were given that authority by God. And God expects leaders to direct those under them and inspire and encourage them to do better.
This connection of leadership and service is all-inclusive. A manager is called to help his employees do their jobs better, not by badgering, but by giving the support they need. Military leaders must support their troops with respect and discipline. God specially calls Church leaders to service their flock: to protect the weakest members, to give an example of Jesus’ love to all, and to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in both clergy and laity. Anyone who lives a life of loving service can be “greatest” in the Kingdom of God.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications