Matthew 20:25

“But Jesus called them unto him, etc.] All his twelve disciples, perceiving that the same ambitious views prevailed in them all: to discourage which, and to prevent their quarrelling one with another, he called them to him, and made use of the following reasonings: and said, ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them; appealing to them in a case that was well known by them, what the princes of the Gentiles did; or, as Mark expresses it, “they which are accounted”, or “seem to rule over the Gentiles”: who know not God, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who neither serve and obey him, or have any dependence on…”

“See also Mark 10:35-45. Matthew 20:20 Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1. With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35 Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored. Worshipping him - Showing him respect; respectfully saluting him. In the original, kneeling. See the notes at Matthew 8:2. Matthew 20:21 Grant that these my two sons may sit ... - They were still looking for a temporal…”

“Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them - And hence you imagine, the chief in my kingdom will do as they: but it will be quite otherwise. Matthew 20:26”

“20:25-28 The desire for power is characteristic of pagan rulers in this world. It ought not to be a trait of those who follow the Son of Man (18:1-5; 19:13-15; 23:1-12).”

“called: Mat 11:29, Mat 18:3, Mat 18:4; Joh 13:12-17 the princes: Mar 10:42; Luk 22:25-27 exercise dominion: Dan 2:12, Dan 2:13, Dan 2:37-45, Dan 3:2-7, Dan 3:15, Dan 3:19-22, Dan 5:19 Matthew 20:26”