Mark 9:30-41

 (1) Context

 (NET) The entire section 8:27–10:52 is built around three passion predictions of Jesus (8:31; 9:31; 10:33). These predictions form the structure of the section, the content for the section (Jesus’ suffering, death, and the meaning of genuine discipleship) and the mood of the section (i.e., a somber mood). What is interesting is that after each passion prediction, Mark records both the misunderstanding of the disciples and then Jesus’ teaching on the nature of his death and what genuine discipleship is all about: (1) denying oneself (8:34–38); (2) humility and serving (9:33–37); (3) suffering, humble service, and not lording it over people (10:35–45).

(2) About humility

9:37 “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.”

(NET)  Children were very insignificant in ancient culture, so this child would be the perfect object lesson to counter the disciples’ selfish ambitions.

The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. It was probably sparkled by Jesus' prediction about His death. When Jesus brought back the Kingdom then they would be the officials of the Kingdom and therefore they argued who would be the greatest official. In other words, what they cared about was not Jesus' death and resurrection, but themselves. To these people, Jesus told them to serve others. Of course high officials of a country serve, too. They serve the king or the president of that country to gain benefits for themselves. However, Jesus told them not to serve for benefits. In fact, no benefit at all when they serve people like the insignificant children. 

(3) About serving

9:37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me
Welcomme=(NET) is a term of hospitality 

v.41b whoever gives you a cup of water because you bear Christ’s name will never lose his reward.

In between v.37 and 41, the disciples brought out the question of another group of people

v.39 no one who does a miracle in my name will be able soon afterward to say anything bad about me.

9:40 For whoever is not against us is for us

The background was Jesus would soon be betrayed and killed v.30-32. In a time like that, if anyone did not act against them (not among the group of followers of Jesus) they should not be stopped.  

The disciples, who welcomed the little children because of Jesus or other people, who gave the disciples a cup of water for the sake of Jesus Christ they were all doing that under the same background. That was, Jsus would soon be betrayed and killed. It was not an easy time and therefore, those things bear a much heavy price. They would be seen as companions of the "criminal." Certainly it is an act of faith when people are still willing to do so.

(4) Reflection: 

Proudness can be easily hidden, but in critical moments it comes out. Just like the disciples they only argued about that when they realized the going away of Jesus. When was the last time you were only thinking about yourself?

Jesus challenged the disciples not to serve for benefits. Do we catch ourselves doing exactly like that?

Welcoming the children, giving other Christians a cup of water even in the face of persecutions can only be done because of our faith in Jesus Christ. What is something that is similar to that in today's society? Admitting that you are Christians among your co-workers and friends? Brave enough to tell your kids to admit that they are Christians among their classmates?

Audrey