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6. Jesus Again Predicts His Sufferings (Mark 09:30-37)
MARK 9:30-37
30 They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know it. 31 For he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, “The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again.” 32 But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. 33 He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” 36 He took a little child, and set him in their midst. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn’t receive me, but him who sent me.”
Jesus declared to his disciples for again that he would be delivered into the hands of sinners, but they did not understand the meaning and the plan of this prophecy, that the eternal Judge would deliver himself willingly into the hands of men as an atonement for us. In fact, this miracle surpasses all our understanding, particularly the possibility of resurrection from the dead. Thus, to his followers it remained beyond their understanding, for they had not yet experienced the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. Even today, many people are deaf and blind to the love of God revealed in the cross. They do not know the truth of the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who long for the truth, and believe in the only Son of God.
The world is in need of those who pray to Jesus that his word may drive out spiritual deafness from their minds, and that they may become revived, strengthened, and hear the word of God.
Even Jesus’ followers are tempted with misunderstanding his word. The reason for their spiritual deafness and blindness is pride, which soon infiltrates their hearts, silences and blinds them, for they are self-conceited, thinking that everyone else is beneath them.
In this case, they do not see Jesus as our example. He made himself a humble servant of God, taking away the sin of the world, and thus becoming the least and most despised one. God himself hid his face from him when he was crucified for us.
However, the disciples were arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest, and who would have authority, and honor. They despised their fellows, and all fell into the sin of pride, for each thought he was better than the others. This original sin began with Satan and poisoned the minds of men.
Dear brother, beware of pride dwelling in your heart. Be cautious of trusting yourself. Humble yourself. Seek the lost and the unclean that they may be purified in the name of Christ. Serve the simple. Do not seek to be a master, but follow the humble Jesus that you may become great before God.
Jesus took a child and had him stand in the midst of the disciples, as a token of their condition and faith. The child was neither good in himself, nor innocent in his childhood, for all men are wicked from childhood. However, the child relied on his father, and loved his mother from childhood. We must learn the spirit of sonship, and not think we are independent masters.
Christ guides us to love others that we may not only live for our families, and ourselves but also look at homeless and orphans, that we may adopt them and open our houses to them. He who serves the little ones and the poor follows Jesus who adopted us and made us children of God. Humble yourself as Jesus did, and serve the weak, the little ones, and the poor. Do not look at the rich, the clever, and persons of distinction, for they generally do not want to hear.
PRAYER: We thank you Christ, because you love little ones and take care of them. We confess we are little ones. Forgive us our pride, and teach us your humility that we may love the poor, accept them, share their troubles, open our hearts and houses to them, and serve them continuously as if we were serving you at every moment of our life. Amen.
QUESTION:
- How did Jesus guide his disciples to humility?