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!

Making sure to be ready and to belong to the escaped ones

In Daniel 12:1 is spoken of a time that the archangel Michael, or the great prince who as a grand defender and guardian protects [L stands by] God’s people [10:13, 21], will stand up [arise (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7)]. All people should know that there will be a time of much trouble [distress], the worst time since nations have been on earth, but at that time God’s people will be saved [rescued]. Therefore, Jesus warns to stay alert, to keep watch because nobody knows when Jesus will come (Matthew 24:42).

Followers of Christ should remember what they have received and heard, and obey it, and turn from their sin! For if they don’t wake up, they shall be surprised, because Jesus will come like a thief, and people don’t know at what moment he will come upon them (Revelation 3:3).

We have to give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith, so that when the time arrives we shall not find ourselves not ready to follow in the footsteps of the righteous, who shall be allowed to enter the narrow gate to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus compares that coming day and the required readiness with the owner of a house who also does not know when a thief would come along. Had he known his house was about to be broken into, he would have stayed up all night, vigilantly. He would have kept watch, and he would have thwarted the thief and not let his house be broken into. So we too have to be ready because we know the Son of Man will come, but we can’t know precisely when. He might be coming at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:43-44; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15).

Jesus asks

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master put in charge of his household to give them food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)

The sent one from God, Jeshua, the son of man and the Kristos (Christ) we can have as our trustworthy servant, the one Whom the Highest Master has put in charge of all the servants of his household. We, who want to serve Jesus, are simple servants, but that does not take away that we do not have to take our responsibility seriously.
When the times of the latter days arrive we should belong to those servants whose master (Jesus Christ) finds them doing their work when Jesus returns on this earth. (Matthew 24:46)

Jesus who always tells the truth, assures us and most solemnly say to his followers that the master will choose that servant to take care [put him in charge] of everything he owns. (Matthew 24:47)

When that servant would not be ready and [L at an hour when he] is not expecting him that is appointed by the Most High, then the master will treat that caught unaware servant like one who did not do his job and consider him a worthless servant. (Matthew 24:50-51)

In those days, after that tribulation, when the earth shall shake, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. [Mark 13:24-25; Isaiah 13:10; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10; 2:31; 3:15; Haggai 2:6,21] Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth (lying dead and buried) will awake and rise up (Daniel 12:2) to see with those, who are still alive at that time, the Son of Man coming in the clouds with tremendous power and glory (Mark 13:26; Daniel 7:13–14).

Then there might be weeping and gnashing of teeth, indicating agony and remorse, but it shall be too late to discuss over distress and anger, because everybody has been warned long before and could have found the Biblical Truth. When the time after the big war has arrived, and Jesus shall be seen as the returned one from God, then it shall be time for the righteous to come out of the world of mammon, showing to the world they do not belong to this world but to God and His people, so that they will not share in the world her sins, and so that they will not receive any of her plagues (Revelation 18:4). All then shall have to know that then the time has arrived when those particular chosen ones who are alive and left behind [or alive and are left] will be gathered [caught; taken; raptured] together with them [the resurrected ones] into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is how we, the resurrected and the living, will be with him forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Events seem to be happening at a break-neck speed, so that it is almost impossible to keep up. We have major headlines coming out almost hourly, Russia (the bear), Syria, Iran, Iraq, the Asian and African countries. Many of these have a role in prophecy during the last days.

When believing in God and believing also in Jesus (John 14:1) we do know that in Jehovah, our Father’s house, there are many mansions, which all should be prepared and ready to receive the Master.

Let us, who have obtained salvation through Christ, make sure that when the time is near, right at the door, that we shall be ready. So that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming (1 John 2:28), after having able to stand strong and firm in those troubling or perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1). We have to be prepared and have made ourselves strong enough to go through that time of great trouble and can stand up against those lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2-5). As the Messiah loves us, so should we in the world having our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (1 John 4:17).

Nobody shall be able to escape the judgement-seat of Jesus. It is not that some people shall already be gone to a hell, a purgatory or heaven. For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Let us not lay up for ourselves treasures upon earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. Let us not give thieves an opportunity to break through and steal (Matthew 6:19) and remember that whatever we deserve for the good or bad things we have done in our period here on earth, shall come unto us. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life shall then receive their reward, but those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment, shall be condemned, find the path unto the resurrection of damnation (2 Corinthians 5:10; John 5:29).

We can only hope that when Jesus returns, we ourselves and many of our friends, shall be counted to those with faith (Luke 18:8) and belonging to the ones whose name is written in God’s book to be saved [L All who are found written in the book; C of life; Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Da 10:21; Mal 3:16; Luke 10:20; Rev. 20:12.].

 

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Preceding

Matthew 10:11-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Searching for the Sheep

Matthew 13:36-43 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Zizania in the Field Explained

Matthew 16:24-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Disciple Must Disown Self

Matthew 22:11-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: King’s Inspection and Marriage Garments

Matthew 24 about temples or Houses of God and the end of the age

Matthew 24:1-2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Setting

Matthew 24:3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Apostles’ Question

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

Matthew 24:9-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part Two – The Acts of the Apostles Foretold

Matthew 24:15-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Sign 1: Encamped Armies. The Sign Great Oppression Is Near

Matthew 24:29-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer Part Two – Sign 2: The Parousia. A Sign after the Great Oppression

Matthew 24:36-41 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: About That Day and Hour

Matthew 24:42-51 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Stay Awake!

Left in the dark or being in the dark seeing light

Separation of local judgment regarding 70 CE from the global ultimate-coming prophecies of the Second Coming and Final Judgment

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Additional reading

1. You know neither the day nor the hour
2. Only once and with consequences
3. With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility
4. Sign of the Times and the Last Days #1 The Son of man revealing
5. Signs of the Last Days
6. The days are coming
7. To be prepared and very well oiled
8. Devotees and spotters
9. The chosen ones to fear or not to fear
10. God my fence, my hope for the future
11. Dealings with ruling authorities
12. Rapture Exposed
13. Rapture what does it mean?
14. The Rapture or admittance with Christ
15. Gather together with Jesus Christ
16. Raptured in clouds

Testimonies to observe, inspired by God

Apologies for the text in big letters in this NAS translation. The text in capitals is their choice. Please do not consider it as shouting and as the choice of the translators of that Bible version.

 

“”And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,” (Deuteronomy 17:19 NAS)

“Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.” (Psalms 119:11 NAS)

“Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalms 119:89 NAS)

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105 NAS)

“119 Thou hast removed all the wicked of the earth [like] dross; Therefore I love Thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of Thee, And I am afraid of Thy judgments. 121  I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for Thy servant for good; Do not let the arrogant oppress me. 123  My eyes fail [with longing] for Thy salvation, And for Thy righteous word. 124  Deal with Thy servant according to Thy lovingkindness, And teach me Thy statutes. 125 I am Thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know Thy testimonies. 126  It is time for the LORD to act, [For] they have broken Thy law. 127  Therefore I love Thy commandments Above gold, yes, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem right all [Thy] precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way. 129  Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul observes them. 130  The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalms 119:119-130 NAS)

“So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding [in the matter] for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11 NAS)

“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NAS)

“5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6 NAS)

“”Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31 NAS)

“”But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.” (Luke 16:17 NAS)

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NAS)

“BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER.” And this is the word which was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:25 NAS)

“18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19 NAS)

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 Français: Observe la loi et la justice écrit d’avance pour notre instruction

Nederlandse versie: Wetten en regels ter onderwijs

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• The LORD Who Was On Our Side
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Servant for the truth of God

Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples – 1580s, National Gallery in Prague – Paolo Veronese (1528–1588)

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“35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him, saying, Master, we want you to grant us a request. 36 And he said to them, What do you want me to do for you? 37 They replied, Grant that one of us may sit at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your glory. 38 But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking: can you drink of the cup that I drink of? or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they answered, We can. And Jesus said to them, You will indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: 40 But to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give; but it will be given to those for whom it is prepared. 41 And when the ten heard it, they became indignant with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them over, and said to them, You know that those who are regarded as rulers over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones wield authority over them. 43 But among you that will not so: instead whoever wants to be great among you, will be your servant: 44 And whoever wants to be first among you, will be the servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:35-45 KJV_2011)

“1 We who are strong ought then to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. 4 For whatever things were written in the past were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5  Now may the God who gives you patience and comfort grant you to be of the same mind one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 So that you may with one mind and one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7  Therefore accept one another, as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Jesus Christ was a servant to the Jews for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 So that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this reason I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing hymns to your name.” (Romans 15:1-9 KJV_2011)

“8  Likewise the deacons must also be dignified, not two-faced, not given to much wine, not greedy of gain; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a clean conscience. 10 Moreover, let them first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, after being found blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:8-10 KJV_2011)

“1  Just before the feast of the passover, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to depart from this world and go to the Father, and having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 Now by the time of the supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he had come from God, and was going back to God; 4 Got up from supper, and laid aside his garments; and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 When he came to Simon Peter: Peter said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? 7 In answer Jesus said, You do not understand what I am doing now; but you will understand in the future. 8 No, Peter said, You will never wash my feet. Jesus replied, If I do not wash you, you have no part with me. 9 Then Simon Peter replied, Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus answered, Anyone who has bathed only needs to wash his feet, but is clean all over: and you are clean, but not all of you. 11 For he knew who would betray him; that is why he said, You are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and put on his garments, and sat back down, he said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Master and Lord: and you are right; for I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do what I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I tell you, No servant is greater than his master; nor is a messenger greater than him who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you will be happier if you practice them. 18  I am not talking about all of you: I know whom I have chosen: but the scripture must be fulfilled, He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I am telling you before it takes place, so that, when it happens, you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I tell you, He who receives whomever I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me.” (John 13:1-20 KJV_2011)

“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV_2011)“5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being by nature God, did not see equality with God as something to be used for self-glorification: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the nature of a servant, and was born as a man:” (Philippians 2:5-7 KJV_2011)

“3 Not as dictators over those in your care, but as examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. 5  Likewise, you who are younger, submit to the elders. Yea, all of you cooperate with each another, being clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:3-5 KJV_2011)

“Whoever claims to abide in him needs to walk, in the same way that he walked.” (1 John 2:6 KJV_2011)

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Dutch version / Nederlandse versie: Dienstknecht voor velen terwille van de waarheid van God

French version / En Français: Serviteur pour pour prouver la véracité de Dieu

German version / Deutsch: Diener um der Wahrheit willen Gottes

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Please do also find to read about the Last Supper:

1. Deliverance and establishement of a theocracy
2. 14 Nisan a day to remember #1 Inception
3. 14 Nisan a day to remember #2 Time of Jesus
4. 14 Nisan a day to remember #3 Before the Passover-feast
5. 14 Nisan a day to remember #4 A Lamb slain
6. 14 Nisan a day to remember #5 The Day to celebrate
7. Around the feast of Unleavened Bread
8. High Holidays not only for Israel
9. Festival of Freedom and persecutions

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  The Last Supper: Jesus talks about how he’s going to be betrayed and beaten and killed.  Nope.  Just tell them you’re going to be betrayed.  More accurate.  Also, you forgot to wash your disciples’ feet.  Remember?  Peter got all huffy?
• Jesus > I – He must Become Greater – Me Less (darrellcreswell.wordpress.com)
  Jesus must increase – His authority and influence in our lives, our thoughts, our words, and our actions must grow.We must decrease – The purpose of our lives is to point the world towards Him. We are not to form religious affiliations to glorify ourselves, or to set up a religion of our own.  As the light from the evening moon fades away and is lost in the rays of the rising sun, who we are in the flesh is to fade away in the glory of His light. It should be an honor for any one of us, to accept in humility, and with a willingness to be esteemed as nothing–if we can honor Christ.
• Jesus Christ, Bondservant (altruistico.wordpress.com)
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• How to be happy? (bryanvillarosa.wordpress.com)
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  Almighty and everliving God, in Your tender love for the human race You send Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon Him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of His great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of His suffering, and also share in His resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen – Scot McKnight
• Maundy Thursday: Mar. 28 (prayerscapes.wordpress.com)
  Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
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  Each human being is endowed with dignity and is worthy of respect, regardless of social station or any other humanly-determined ranking system. Jesus demonstrated on his knees, for all who would follow him, that our love is shown in serving each other, humbly and generously. “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another.”