But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But Jesus called them over and said, 'You know how world leaders lord their power over people, and how those in charge use their authority to control everyone else.'
Jesus pointed out how earthly power usually works, it's all about control and dominance.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, the Gentile rulers, such as those in the Roman Empire, were known for exercising absolute authority and dominion over their subjects, which reflected the common cultural norm of leadership through power and hierarchy. This verse appears in Matthew 20, where Jesus is responding to his disciples' dispute over positions of greatness in his kingdom, using it to highlight the contrast between worldly leadership and God's way. Jesus was teaching in a society where political and social structures often prioritized control, setting the stage for his revolutionary message of servanthood.
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