#115 and 116. Mark 9:33-42.

Who is Greatest in the Kingdom?

#115 33-37; Matthew 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-48.

Remember that Mark focuses on Jesus the servant.

In Prior events, Jesus had taken Peter, James and John to the Mount of Transfiguration. On the way back they found the other 9 disciples trying to cast out a demon but they had failed. Then Jesus as they continued on their journey, Jesus gave the second prediction of His death and Resurrection.

Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead but they believed all would be raised on the last day. Not individual resurrection.

So, the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying but they were afraid to ask.

Mark 9:33 KJV

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Mark 9:34 KJV

34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

They did not want to tell Jesus what they were discussing. it would have been embarrassing for Jesus to see their pride.

Mark 9:35 KJV

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Jesus is specifically speaking to the disciples.

The Pharisees always wanted to be recognized for their holiness. The whole sermon on the mount was in refutation of their pride.

Many modern Christians are trying to be recognized. They want to stand out as more Holy than everybody else.

Ranking preachers, singers, deacons, Sunday school teachers, church members.

Jesus said the least shall be first.

If you have to tell people how humble you are, then you may have a problem.

Mark 9:36 KJV

36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Children were not held in the same light as they are in modern times. They were dependent on others and so were not yet contributing to society.

They had to rely on what the adults that taught them. They do not seek status.

Mark 9:37 KJV

37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Receiving a week Christian. Taking them in, caring for them, teaching them.

#116 38-42; Luke 9:49-50.

Mark 9:38 KJV

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:39 KJV

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Mark 9:40 KJV

40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:41 KJV

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Mark 9:42 KJV

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Applications.

It is not the greatest that will be first, it is the least. The servants.

Not the greatest preacher or singer or the one that gives the most money. It will be those that nobody knows anything about that will be first in the kingdom.

Do not be a stumbling block in actions or deeds.

Serving others.

Jesus lived a life of service and we should follow His example.

Jesus’s example, John 13:2-16.

We need to be supportive and encouringing to other Christians great or small.

We are to magnify the name of Jesus not our own name.