The disciples were discussing who was to to the greatest. Jesus
responds by saying, ‘If anyone would be first (πρῶτος) he must
be last (ἔσχατος ) of all and servant (διάκονοs) of all.” πρῶτος
can be used to convey a range of meanings although it is certain
that in this case it refers to a rank amongst persons. It could
mean rulers, aristocrats, ruling priests, etc. The disciples
thought that when they arrived at Jerusalem Jesus would be
proclaimed King and they would all be given significant jobs and
titles. The disciples seemed to have misunderstood the nature of
Jesus’ ministry and their role as kingdom followers. Later on in
Mark’s gospel we see James and John, in Mark 10:35-37, declare
their desire to have places of importance in Jesus kingdom..
Jesus, however, says that the one who desires to lead must be
someone who is lowly and serves. They must be a διάκονοs. The
basic meaning of this word was for someone who waited on tables
(Mark 1:21) but can also be used of a servant in a more general
sense. The c