Give Me Jesus: Jesus As Disciplinarian: Mark 9:30-41

I. The Disciple’s Ignorance vs. 30-32

A. Jesus has told all the disciples this twice now, and to His inner circle three times. They don’t understand either because they are overwhelmed or blinded.

B. They were afraid to ask Jesus yet again, especially after His rebuke in vs. 29.

II. The Disciple’s Pettiness vs. 33-37

A. The disciples acted like a bunch of bad youngins sometimes.

B. The disciples had every right to be ashamed. And yet they would be having the same argument over and over again, even on the night that Jesus was crucified.

Luke 22:24 “And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.”

John 13:2-4 “During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.”

C. Jesus sits down showing His superior (rabbinic) position. Jesus tells them that they must be like a servant to all! Quit acting like it’s owed to you.

D. The word Jesus uses here for servant and child are the same word. Jesus is saying that we should greet and treat each other favorably like we do a child.

E. Jesus is equating Himself with the Father in vs. 37.

III. The Disciple’s Jealousy vs. 38-41

A. The disciples were jealous of other people’s success, especially since they had failed at an exorcism earlier.

B. Some people will be different from you, but if they’re following Jesus biblically don’t discourage them. (Denominations ex).

C. Ministry should be about glorifying Jesus, not you. It should never be about look at me or the preacher, but look at Jesus.

D. Rejoice with those who are different, and pray when things aren’t well with them instead of being “secretly” glad.

E. Your ministry will not be like everyone else’s, but do what you do for the glory of God. (Ruby Ward ex).