Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:33-37 – Who is Greater?

Mark 9:33-37 – Who is Greater?

|| Matthew 18:1-5;[1] Luke 9:44, 45

MK9:33 Now Jesus arrived in Capernaum and when he was in the house he asked them: “What were you arguing about among yourselves on the road?” MK9:34 However, they were silent, for on the road they had been disputing who among them was the greatest.[2] MK9:35 Then Jesus sat down and called the Twelve, and said to them: “If anyone has a desire to be ‘first’ then he must be the ‘least’ of all, and the servant of everyone.”[3] MK9:36 Jesus took a little boy[4] and put him in the middle of them, and after he took him in his arms, he said to them: MK9:37 “Whoever welcomes such a little boy in my name, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me, but also Him that sent me.”

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[1] Matthew 18:1-5: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Who among them was the greatest: Jesus already is aware of what is an ongoing problem among his apostles. It is known from John’s Gospel that Jesus preferred John. There are also other occasions where three or four apostles receive special blessings, as in the case of the transfiguration and the Mount Olive sermon. [Mark 13] The three apostles returning from the mount of Transfiguration to the other eight who had just failed in a healing effort may have laid the ground work for this debate. It is an unfortunate side to human nature that members of a group will try and curry favor with the obvious leader, and will struggle among themselves in jealous ambitions.

[3] The ‘least’ of all, and the servant of everyone: This goes directly against human ego-centricity where exactly the opposite is what most people seek. Jesus recommends remaining in the background as a quite servant who ministers to everyone else. This will be viewed as weakness by others and such a least servant will go largely unnoticed. But, not to the Master.

[4] Little boy: We can imagine the look on this young lad’s face as he is surrounded by so many eyes. We can see that once Jesus puts his arms around him he feels very important and the center of attention. Clearly, the family in the house where Jesus was staying had some young children in it.

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Preceding

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:9-13 – Elijah Has Come

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:14-24 – Help Me Where I Need Faith

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:25-29 – Why Could We Not Expel It?

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:30-32 – Foretells Resurrection

Matthew 18:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Children and Stumbling

Matthew 18:1-6 Reborn and pliable as a child

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Related

1. Drawn In Sermon on Mark 9: 30-37
2. Who Is the Greatest? Mark 9:30-37 Sunday School Lesson and Activities
3. Sanctified Ambition?From the Greatest to the Welcomed
4. Who’s the Goat?
5. Humility
6. Be Humble Like A Little Child
7. Letting it Go
8. The First and The Last: You choose
9. Message of the Day: The Rule of Greatness!
10. “Do you serve others, or prefer to be served ??” 2/27/2021 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend
11. Becoming Great!

Mark 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Preaching and Healing at Home

CHAPTER TWO:
A PARALYTIC HEALED, A TAXMAN CALLED,
AND PHARISEES

[“Calling Sinners”]
Key word: Authority

Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Preaching and Healing at Home

|| Matthew 9:1-8;[1] Luke 5:17-26

MK2:1 Some days later Jesus entered into Capernaum again and soon everyone realized that he was at his own residence.[2] MK2:2 Soon many began to gather so that there was no room to even welcome others because the door was completely blocked. Jesus began to preach the word to them. MK2:3 And then four men carried a paralyzed man trying to approach Jesus. MK2:4 However, when they could not get near to the house because of the crowd they removed part of the roof of his house. After they had made an opening they began to lower the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. MK2:5 Now when Jesus saw their deep conviction, he said to the paralytic: “Child, your sins are forgiven!” MK2:6 But, present in the audience were certain Bible Copyists and they began to reason in their hearts: MK2:7 “Why does this man speak blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but the God alone?”[3] MK2:8 Instantly Jesus was aware in his spiritual perception that they were thinking this way. He then asked them: “Why do you reason this way in your hearts? MK2:9 Which is easier to say to this paralytic? ‘Your sins are forgiven?’ Or, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and walk!’ MK2:10 However, so that you may be aware the Son of Humankind[4] [Daniel 7:13] has been given authority on earth to forgive sins… (turning to the paralytic he said…) MK2:11 I tell you, [Child], Get up, take your stretcher, and return to your home.” MK2:12 Instantly, the paralytic bounced to his feet, and taking his stretcher he walked away in view of them all. The whole crowd was awe-struck and began to glorify the God, saying: “We have never seen anything like this!”

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[1] Matthew 9:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] At his own residence: Or, in the house, at home; PME: he was in somebody’s house.

[3] Who can forgive sins but the God alone: Some misunderstand this to mean Jesus was in fact God. However, compare the other accounts and see the Nazarene’s answer to this.

[4] Son of Humankind: Jesus borrows from Daniel 7:13. In Mark Jesus uses the designation over a dozen times.

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Preceding

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1 – Review Questions on Chapter One

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Related

1. To Be Bold
2. Was it a stupid question?
3. Friday, Jan 15, 2021 Gospel (Mk 2:1-12)
4. We Never Saw Anything Like This!
5. But Jesus, Seeing their faith, says to the Paralytic, Child, Thy Sins are forgiven Thee. (Mark 2:5)
6. Jesus Heals the Paralytic
7. From Miracles to the Cross

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:16-21 – Becoming Fishers of Men

Mark 1:16-21 – Becoming Fishers of Men

|| Matthew 4:18-22[1]

MK1:16 Now while walking beside the sea[2] of Galilee Jesus saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. As they were fishermen they were casting their nets into the sea. MK1:17 Jesus said to them: “Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers for men.” MK1:18 At once they left their nets and followed him. MK1:19 Continuing a little further he saw James the son of Zebedee[3] and his brother John. They also were in their boat mending the nets, and he immediately called them. MK1:20 They immediately left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men,[4] and they went and followed Jesus. MK1:21 So they came to Capernaum, and on the next Sabbath he entered the synagogue[5] and began to teach.

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[1] Matthew 4:18-22: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Walking beside the sea: We see the Nazarene’s footprints in the sand.

[3] Zebedee: Or, Zabdi.

[4] Left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men: We can imagine the look on his face as he sees his sons leave for a life he could not begin to imagine, nor could history at this time.

[5] He entered the synagogue: There is a synagogue uncovered by archaeologists here that was built by the charity of a Roman centurion. Later Paul will follow the Nazarene’s example in using the Jewish synagogue system as the frame work for the beginning of Christianity.

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Preceding

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:1-8 – The Beginning of the Good News

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

Nazarene Commentary Luke 3:3-6 – John Preaches Baptism of Repentance

Mark 1 – Additional Bible Students notes on Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:12-13 – Tempted by the Devil

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:14-15 – Kingdom Has Drawn Near

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:18-22 – The Calling of the First Disciples

Matthew 13:47-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Dragnet

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Additional reading

• 2020 years ago, the road was opened

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Related

1. Dropping the Nets that Entangle
2. Invitation
3. Trust and Obey
4. Jesus’ call to be His disciple is an equipping call
5. Jesus Calling!
6. Fishers of Men
7. Fishers of Men… “Four Fishermen Follow Jesus” 
8. Fishing like Evangelism is Unpredictable
9. Daily Devotion What would it take for you to be able to drop everything? Are you willing to let go of your grip of the familiar to try something new? There are no promises that the journey ahead will be easy but Jesus is one worth really following.
10. Matthew 4:19-Jesus said To Fish For People
11. What Da Hook Gone Be?
12. The Spiritual Blur
13. Mending Our Nets
14. Gospel of John: In Between
15. Torn Nets
16. Fishers of men – My Lion Again – On Before ITS NEWS
17. Because you say so
18. The Soul of the Fisher
19. Fish for People/Fisher’s of Men
20. Spend Time with Jesus

Matthew 17:24-27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Tax-free Sons No Stumbling-block

Matthew 17:24-27 – Tax-free Sons No Stumbling-block

MT17:24 Having arrived in Capernaum certain men collecting the [Temple-tax] of two drachmas[1] approached Peter, asking: “Does your teacher refuse to pay the [temple tax]?” MT17:25 Peter answered, “Yes.”[2] But when Peter entered the house, Jesus anticipated him[3] by asking, “Simon, what is your view?[4] From whom do earth’s rulers receive duty and tax?[5] From their sons or from aliens?”[6] MT17:26 Peter answered, “From the aliens.” Then, Jesus said to him, “Really, then, the sons are free [from taxes]. MT17:27 But so we might not stumble them:[7] go fish in the sea. The first fish you hook pull in and when you open its mouth you will find a stater [coin].[8] Take the coin and give it to them for me and you.”

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[1] [Temple-tax] of two drachmas: Or, KJV: received tribute money; ASV: half-shekel; TCNT: temple-tax. About $1.30 or a week’s wages. Compare the tabernacle tax (Exodus 30:12-16; 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9; Nehemiah 10:32).

[2] Yes: Peter speaks incorrectly.

[3] Jesus anticipated him: Or, KJV: Jesus prevented him; WMS: – he got there ahead of Simon –; RSV: Jesus spoke to him first.

[4] Simon, what is your view: Or, KJV: what thinkest thou; BER: what is your idea; MON: how does it seem to you. There is no direct correction or rebuke.

[5] Duty and tax: Or, KJV: custom or tax; RHM: dues or tax; KNX: customs or taxes; RIEU: import or capitation taxes; TCNT: taxes or tribute. This subject comes up a couple times: research the word tax.

[6] Sons or from aliens: Or, KJV: their own children, or of strangers; RIEU: citizens or on foreigners; MON: from their own people or from aliens.

[7] Not stumble them: The Greek is SCANDALISOMEN. Or, KJV: offend; NEB: cause difficulties; WMS: not influence them to do any thing wrong; TCNT: may not shock them.

[8] A stater [coin]: Or, KJV: a piece of money; ASV: a shekel; RIEU: silver coins; MOF: four drachmas. About four days wages.

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Preceding

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

Matthew 17:10-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Elijah Has Already Come

Matthew 17:14-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

Matthew 17:22-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grief and Jesus’ Prediction of His Death

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Related

1. Exodus 30:11-16 The Census Tax
2. The Fishy Temple Tax
3. Matthew 17, the Ttansfiguration, the healing of a boy with a demon, the “temple tax”.
4. No Stumbling Block
5. Peter and John — Matthew 17:24-27
6. Ancient Beka Found Near Temple Mount in Jerusalem
7. Trend Update: Temple Coin with Trump Likeness in High Demand, March 2018

Matthew 11:20-24 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 5 Reproached Cities a Lesson for Judgment Day

Matthew 11:20-24 – Reproached Cities a Lesson for Judgment Day

|| Luke 10:13-15

MT11:20 Then Jesus began to reproach the cities where most of his dynamic works[1] occurred, because they did not repent: MT11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin![2] Woe to you, Bethsaida![3] Because if the dynamic works which occurred in you took place in Tyre[4] and Sidon[5] of old it is most likely they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes.[6] MT11:22 Also, I tell you: it will be more bearable[7] for Tyre and Sidon on Judgment Day[8] than for you. MT11:23 And you, Capernaum,[9] will you be exalted[10] heaven-high? Down to Hades[11] you will descend! Because if those dynamic works which occurred in you had taken place in Sodom it is likely it would have remained until today. MT11:24 So, I tell you that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom on Judgment Day than for you.”

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[1] Dynamic works: The Greek is DYNAMEIS as it is in verses 21, 23. Others rendered this: KJV: mighty works; TCNT: miracles; GDSP: wonders; PME: demonstrations of God’s power.

[2] Chorazin: A town at the north end of Galilee. Compare Luke 10:10-16. It was not far from Capernaum, the early home base of the Nazarene.

Beth-tsaida = Bethsaida in Lower Gaulanitis

[3] Bethsaida: This village was also on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. Josephus mentions such a populous village near the Jordan River. This village was rebuilt by Philip the tetrarch and was named Julias in honor of the daughter of Caesar Augustus (Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 28 [ii, 1]).

[4] Tyre: This city had a long history with Israel (1 Chronicles 14:1; 1 Kings 9:10, 11). It was destroyed in fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Ezekiel 26:7-12; Zechariah 9:3, 4).

The Peutinger Map showing Tyre and Sidon in the 4th century

[5] Sidon: An ancient city of Canaan, called Phoenicia by the Greeks. The city exists today as Saida (Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3; 47:4; Joel 3:4; Zechariah 9:2; Isaiah 23:4, 12; Jeremiah 25:17, 22; 27:1-8; 47:4; Ezekiel 28:20-24; 32:30; Joel 3:4-8; Zechariah 9:1-4).

[6] Repented in sackcloth and ashes: This is not a mere “I’m sorry.” The repentance is severe in the Biblical and eastern manner. The first such occurrence is Genesis 37:34 for a total of 48 occurrences of mourning in sackcloth (2 Samuel 3:31; Nehemiah 9:1; Esther 4:1-3; Job 16:15; Psalm 35:8; Jeremiah 4:8; 6:26; 49:3; Jonah 3:6). The exact phrase “sackcloth and ashes” occurs only about half dozen times in the Bible.

[7] More bearable: See footnotes on Matthew 10:15. Or, endurable, tolerable.

[8] Judgment Day: See notes on Matthew 10:15.

[9] Capernaum: See notes on Matthew 4:13. Jesus’ original home base.

[10] Exalted: Was the problem of those cities which witnessed Jesus’ early work one of pride?

[11] Hades: The Greek is HADES and means un + seen. This is the first occurrence in the teachings of the Nazarene. The word occurs only in Matthew and Luke. Jesus is to use the word in only three settings (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15; 16:23). It occurs only ten times in the Christian Bible (Matthew 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31; Revelation 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14). The English word “hell” (hel) is drawn from the Latin cel as in “cellar.” It meant an unseen storage place for such things as potatoes, thus the old English “helin potatoes.” In the Bible it is the abode of the dead who await Judgment Day and the resurrection from the dead. The idea of eternal torment of the soul in Hell is a Greek notion borrowed from Egyptians and older cultures. See dictionaries or encyclopedias on the subject. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew sheol (Job 14:12-14; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10).

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Preceding

Matthew 11:1 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 1 Twelve Sent out to Teach

Matthew 11:2-6 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 2 Imprisoned Baptist Encouraged

Matthew 11:7-15 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 3 John the Baptist and the Kingdom Goal

Matthew 11:16-19 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 4 Impossibility of Pleasing Everyone

We are redeemed; we are “bought with a price”