Today I was studying from Matthew 20 and Mark 10, the story of James and John (aided by their mamma) asking for exalted positions. Jesus' reply about servant leadership and the first being last, and the last being first must have boggled their minds.  They, as Jesus observed, were used to leaders lording over everyone they could.

 "In Jesus' kingdom, no one should control another person's thoughts or actions.  God gave every person the freedom to think and to choose.  Even angels don't come to earth to rule and be honored-they come as messengers of mercy and to help humans work for others."-Messiah

I think John got it... years later he wrote in his epistle, "This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us.  So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1John 3:16