For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.' (Matthew 20:28 NLT) Jesus' disciples were a needy bunch who the Lord pointed to a life of service epitomized by the Cross as the solution for their needs.
The Mother of the disciples, James and John once asked Jesus a simple question. She asked him if her boys could be at his right and left side when he came into his Kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21. She wasn't asking much—only that one could be the Assistant Savior and the other the Associate Lord. Only a Jewish Mother could ask such a question.
The other disciples overheard the conversation and were indignant, probably because they also wanted those positions (Matthew 20:24). So, you get the picture, selfishness, resentment, and envy still reigned in the hearts of the men closest to Jesus. How would Jesus address these issues?