True greatness

As Christ contemplates his cross, the disciples argue about their status in the kingdom. Christ issues rebuke and instruction, highlighting the difference between the world's view of greatness and true greatness in the kingdom of God, a contrast driven home by his own example. Yet there is encouragement here, too: these men who have stood with him in his trials shall receive the promised blessing. They shall reign with Christ at last—there is no need to strive for a place in the kingdom when one has already been granted to them.