Away from the crowds, Jesus identifies himself as the mysterious Son of Man and predicts his passion, death and resurrection. The disciples did not grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words, and they engaged in a heated discussion about status within the community. Jesus had just admitted his ultimate vulnerability, and they were quarrelling about rank. Jesus seized the moment to teach an important lesson: following his own example, those who would be first must be willing to be last. In the world of Jesus’ time, neither servants nor children had any legal rights or social status. Jesus turns the social ranking system upside down. Those who hold the highest positions within the community must be willing to take the lowest place and be the servants of all. He offers himself as an example of one who empties himself for the sake of others.