The Disciples Argue, ‘Who is The Greatest?’
February 5, 2023
Commentary
Each time Jesus spoke about His coming death, it revealed the spiritual weaknesses of the disciples. In this passage, they argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. As they traveled through Galilee toward Jerusalem, Jesus focused on teaching them privately (vv. 30–32). When they arrived in Capernaum, He asked, “What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?” (v. 33). They were silent, feeling ashamed (v. 34), because they had been arguing about their own importance instead of listening to His teaching, showing how easily we can become distracted by pride and personal desires instead of focusing on God’s truth. Pride blinds our spiritual vision.
Jesus had been speaking about giving His life, but they were focused on self-glory and personal greatness. What seemed acceptable among themselves was exposed as selfish when brought before Him. Their hearts were not aligned with His mission. This reminds us how easily pride can grow when we lose sight of God’s purpose, and how important it is to examine our motives honestly before Him, seeking humility and a right heart, allowing His truth to correct and shape our thinking and attitudes each day. We must choose humility daily.
Jesus then taught them a powerful lesson. He said, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all” (v. 35). He took a child and placed him among them, showing that true greatness is found in humility and service (vv. 36–37). In a culture where children were often overlooked, Jesus lifted their value. He taught that those who serve others with a humble heart are truly great in God’s kingdom. Greatness is not about position, but about loving and serving others faithfully each day, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways.
Application
I reflect on my heart and motives. Do I seek recognition, or do I choose to serve others quietly? Am I listening to Jesus or focused on myself? Do I value what He values? Help me walk in humility, serve with love, and put others before myself, choosing Your way instead of my own today always faithfully.
Mark 9:30–37 (NET)
30 They went out from there and passed through Galilee. But Jesus did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand this statement and were afraid to ask him.
33 Then they came to Capernaum. After Jesus was inside the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 After he sat down, he called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
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