The Greatest in the Kingdom
INTRODUCTION
Who is the greatest in the kingdom is our subject this morning as we look at Mark chapter 9
Please take your Bible and turn to Mark 9:33-37
This account also occurs in Matthew 18:1-5 and Luke 9:46-48
As I have been doing, I am going to read all three accounts as one from John MacArthur’s book, “One Perfect Life”
At that time the disciples came to Jesus when He was in the house, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Then He, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
We live in a world obsessed with greatness
Sports figures strive for championships
Business leaders chase market dominance
Politicians seek the highest office
Even in ministry, pastors and churches can fall into the trap of competing for size, influence, and recognition
In Jesus’ day, this was no different
In Greco-Roman culture, honor and status were everything and humility was seen as shameful
Humility was the attitude of a defeated person or a slave or someone of no social standing
Public self-promotion, not self-denial, was seen as the path to respect
The Roman concept of dignitas and gloria encouraged self-assertion, not self-lowering
Even among the Jews, rabbinical circles valued public recognition and seats of prominence (Mat.23:6-7)
And here in Mark 9, the disciples—who have been with Jesus for over two years—fall into this same trap of self-promotion…and at the worst possible time
The stunning irony is just two verses earlier (Mark 9:31), Jesus had told them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.”
John MacArthur says:
“The irony is staggering. While Jesus contemplates the humiliation of the cross, His disciples are contemplating the exaltation of self.”
It’s like soldiers in a foxhole arguing about who should get the highest medal while the enemy is advancing on them. Their focus is tragically misplaced
We might shake our heads at the disciples’ immaturity, but if we’re honest, the same pride lurks in our own hearts
We compare ourselves to others — even in ministry
We want to be noticed, appreciated, or preferred
We want to be first
But Jesus uses this moment to give a completely different definition of greatness
In His kingdom, the way up is down
True greatness is measured by humility, servanthood, and how we receive the lowly in His name
Our Lord takes this moment to teach them — and us — what true greatness looks like in the Kingdom of God
Mark begins verse 33 with…
The Prideful Dispute (v.33)
He says, “They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?””
Mark first gives us…
The setting
He says…
“They came to Capernaum”
After leaving Nazareth, Jesus made this prosperous fishing village on the Sea of Galilee His “own city” (Matthew 9:1) and base of ministry
Home to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, it witnessed many of His miracles—the healing of the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1–10), Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–31), and the paralytic that was lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1–12)
Yet, despite such works, Jesus pronounced judgment on Capernaum for its unbelief (Matthew 11:23–24)
This visit likely followed a five-month absence (Hiebert) and marked His third withdrawal from Galilee (Mark 7:24–8:13) as well as the final Gospel event tied to the city
The great Galilean ministry began (Mark 1:21) and ended here, probably in Peter’s home (Mark 9:33)
Their meeting “in the house” suggests this was an intimate, private teaching moment, away from the pressing crowds
Jesus “began to question” them (ἐπηρώτα, eperōta, imperfect tense), indicating that He kept on asking
It was a persistent, probing line of questioning—like a skilled surgeon gently pressing to locate a tender spot
His question was, “What were you discussing on the way?”
The term “discussing” (dialogizomai) carries the idea of a heated exchange—vigorous discussion or even argument—over a disputed matter (Hiebert)
The imperfect tense shows that this debate had been ongoing for some time (Hiebert)
Proverbs 28:25, “An arrogant man stirs up strife…”
Proverbs 13:10, “Through insolence comes nothing but strife…” (Heb.zadon, insolence means arrogance, pride or presumption that refuses correction)
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke G. A Question about Greatness (9:33–37)
The very fact that the disciples were concerned about who was greatest underscores again their failure to understand Jesus’ statements about his suffering and death.
The comparison:
God questioned Adam in Genesis 3:9 — “Where are you?” Not because He lacked information, but to expose Adam’s heart
In the same way, Jesus’ question to His disciples is a spiritual X-ray of the heart
Revelation 1:14 says Jesus has “eyes…like a flame of fire”
That means His eyes like fire symbolizes His ability to see all things clearly and fully
Fire penetrates and exposes; nothing is hidden from His sight
Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”
Jeremiah 17:10, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.”
John MacArthur says, “His eyes like a flame of fire symbolize penetrating vision; He sees everything, including the hidden secrets of the heart.” (MacArthur Study Bible)
Jesus questions the disciples. They’re response reveals…
The Silence of Shame (v.34)
“They kept silent” (ἐσιώπων, esiōpōn, imperfect) —
The imperfect means this was ongoing, awkward silence, the kind that reveals guilt
Their silence spoke volumes
It indicated they were wrong and therefore embarrassed that they were arguing of greatness
Romans 12:10 says they should have been “devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor”
Or Philippians 2:3–4 where Paul says, “3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
They didn’t care about each other, only themselves
That’s what pride does
It sets you over others
It only thinks of ones self
This was true when James and John had their mother go to Jesus and ask for a special place on the right or left of His throne (Mat.20:21-24)
The Gospel of Mark (Revised Edition) The True Ambition
There is something heart-breaking in the thought of Jesus going towards a Cross and his disciples arguing about who would be greatest. Yet in their heart of hearts they knew they were wrong.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 9:33–34
Matters of rank were important to the Jews (cf. Luke 14:7–11) so it was natural for the disciples to be concerned about their status in the coming messianic kingdom. Perhaps the privileges given to Peter, James, and John (cf. Mark 5:37; 9:2) fueled the argument. Whatever its cause, it showed that the Twelve did not understand or accept what Jesus’ Passion prediction (cf. v. 31) meant for them.
Pride thrives in secrecy
Pride prefers the shadows because it fears exposure
Pride is fundamentally about self-exaltation—wanting to appear better, stronger, or wiser than others
When pride is kept in secret, it avoids the light of scrutiny and correction
It hides behind silence, unconfessed thoughts, or undisclosed actions where no one else can challenge or confront it
Secrecy protects pride from accountability and humility
When pride is hidden, it escapes the humble examination that leads to repentance
Accountability is like a spotlight that exposes the self-centered motives behind prideful attitudes
But in secrecy, pride can mask itself as harmless confidence or even humility, avoiding the pain of being humbled
Secrecy enables pride to corrupt relationships quietly
Pride kept secret often leads to bitterness, envy, or resentment because it festers without release
It undermines relationships by preventing genuine confession and reconciliation
Secret pride fuels disputes and division precisely because it resists the humility needed to restore peace
William Barclay says…
The Gospel of Mark (Revised Edition) The True Ambition
If we took everything and set it in the sight of Jesus it would make all the difference in the world. If of everything we did, we asked, “Could I go on doing this if Jesus was watching me?”; if of everything we said, we asked, “Could I go on talking like this if Jesus was listening to me?” there would be many things which we would be saved from doing and saying.
Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”
Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.”
1 Peter 5:5, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
J.C. Ryle said…
Mark: Crossway Classic Commentaries 2. The Apostles’ Ambition and Love of Preeminence
It is an awful fact, whether we like to admit it or not, that pride is one of the commonest sins which beset human nature. We are all born Pharisees. We all naturally think far better of ourselves than we ought. We all naturally imagine that we deserve something better than we have. It is an old sin. It began in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve thought they had not got everything that their merits deserved. It is a subtle sin. It rules and reigns in many a heart without being detected, and can even wear the clothing of humility. It is a most soul-ruining sin. It prevents repentance, keeps people back from Christ, checks brotherly love and nips spiritual concern in the bud. Let us watch against it and be on our guard. Of all clothing, none is so graceful, none wears so well and none is so rare as true humility.
King Saul mirrored this attitude
King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 disobeyed God, then deflected responsibility when confronted (1 Sam.15:20-21)
Pride made him hide behind excuses, just as the disciples hid behind silence
R.C. Sproul said…
“Their silence was evidence of their guilt. They knew instinctively that their conversation was unworthy of followers of the Messiah.”
If we wouldn’t speak our thoughts in Christ’s presence, they shouldn’t dwell in our hearts
Notice what Jesus says about…
The Paradigm of Greatness (v.35)
First we see…
The rabbinic posture
“Sitting down” — the formal teaching position (cf. Matthew 5:1, the Sermon on the Mount). This became a teachable moment.
“Called the twelve” — intentional, focused instruction
The kingdom principle
“If anyone wants to be first…” — acknowledges ambition but redirects it
“…he shall be last of all” (ἔσχατος, eschatos) — utterly last
“…and servant of all” (διάκονος, diakonos) — not a slave by compulsion (δοῦλος, doulos), but a voluntary servant who puts others first
John MacArthur says…
“True greatness is not climbing over others to get to the top, but stooping under others to lift them up.”
This is an apt description of Moses and the Apostle Paul
Moses — was called “very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3), and God used him mightily
Paul — called himself “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9) and “slave of all” (1 Corinthians 9:19) and was also used by God
If you want to be used by God, then humble yourself
Cross-references:
Let Luke 14:11 be your guiding principle: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Charles Spurgeon said, “You can either be humble or be humbled.”
Paul put it this way in Philippians 2:3–4 when he said, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit…”
In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet — the ultimate act of service. Peter resists because the role was too lowly for the Messiah — yet that’s the very role Jesus came to fulfill
Jesus now gives the disciples…
The Picture of Humility (vv.36–37)
The object lesson
“Taking a child” (παιδίον, paidion) — completely dependent, with no social clout
Set the child “before them” — making weakness the center of the lesson
“Taking him in His arms” — the Creator embracing insignificance
R.C. Sproul said,
Mark Greatness through Servanthood
In most Western cultures today, babies are considered adorable. But in the ancient world, when the mortality rate was so high that a vast number of babies who were born perished before they were five years old, a little child was not considered significant until he reached an age when it was likely he would survive to maturity. So, Jesus took a small child, a person who was not considered to be of great dignity, and said to His disciples, “Whoever receives this child in My name, receives Me.” In other words, He did not appoint the twelve to the position of greatness, but a child. He chose a child to be His ambassador, His spokesman to the world. He chose a person of no significance and dignity. The lesson was obvious—the disciples were not to consider themselves great.
God wants men and women who are after His heart
David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, overlooked even by his father (1 Samuel 16:11–13), was chosen by God to be king
When God spoke to Saul, he also spoke of David in 1 Samuel 13:14, To Saul, God said, “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.””
The “man after His own heart” and the one “the Lord has appointed…as ruler over His people,” is David
God delights in raising the lowly (Ps.113:7-8)
God wants you to be humble
Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
James 4:6, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.””
1 Peter 5:6, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,”
Isaiah 57:15, “For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite.”
The principle applied
“Whoever receives one child like this in My name…”
“…receives Me… and Him who sent Me” — serving the lowly is serving the Son and the Father
Mark 9–16: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Pride Rejects Deity (9:36–37)
[Children] have not yet accomplished or achieved anything; they have no power or honor but are weak, dependent, and ignored (rabbis considered it a waste of time to teach the Torah to a child under the age of twelve)
This is the way into the kingdom (Mat.18:3)
This is also analogous to how we treat other believers
How Christians treat fellow believers is how they treat Christ
Conversely, those who reject other believers reject Him (MacArthur)
So Who is the greatest in the kingdom?
Those with humble, childlike faith are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven
R.C. Sproul said,
“Jesus collapses the distance between Himself and the least of His followers. To welcome them is to welcome Him.”
In Matthew 25:34–40, the righteous are commended for feeding, clothing, and visiting “the least of these,” with Jesus declaring, “You did it to Me.”
Conclusion: The Way Up is Down
And there are three things to keep in mind
First, recognize Pride — Confess areas where self-promotion overshadows service (cf. James 4:6)
Second, redefine Greatness — The towel is greater than the throne in God’s economy (Mark 10:43–45)
And last, receive the Lowly — receive them as you would Christ Himself
Philippians 2:5–8 shows the ultimate descent of Christ — God the Son humbling Himself to the point of death for our salvation. Our humility is anchored in His.
Final Quote — Tozer:
“The humble man is not thinking meanly of himself; he is not thinking of himself at all.”
This is where the Gospel begins
You have to first “deny yourself”
Jesus said in Luke 9:23–24, “23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.”
I hope that describes you this morning, humble and dependent on the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ
Examine your heart as we pray
Let’s pray
