Mark 9:30-37

Mark 9:30-37

1. Let us mark our Lord's renewed announcement of His own coming, death, and resurrection.
2. Let us mark the ambition and love of pre-eminence which the apostles exhibited.
3. Let us mark the peculiar standard of true greatness which our Lord sets before His disciples.
4. Let us mark what encouragement our Lord gives us to show kindness to the least and lowest who believe in His name.

"Never are we so slow to understand, as when prejudice and pre-conceived opinions darken our eyes."

"The incarnation, and example, and words of Christ, are all of deep importance. But the grand object which demands our notice in the history of His earthly ministry, is His death on Calvary."

"Of all garments, none is so graceful, none wears so well, and none is so rare, as true humility."

"The men who are willing to be last of all, and servants of all, for Christ's sake, are always few. Yet these are the men who do good, break down prejudices, convince infidels that Christianity is a reality, and shake the world."

Questions:

1. Do we consider the cross the key to understanding our Lord’s work?

2. Are we aware of the dangers of the naturally besetting, easily disguised, and soul-ruining sin pride is in our lives? Does it shock us that pride can be disguised as humility? Do we watch against it? Do we apply the humbling medicine of meditating on the cross of Christ?

3. Do we truly believe that being the servant of all is to be the greatest? Are we ready and eager to serve others when we see needs arise and are able to meet them, or are we hesitant and reserved?

4. Do we believe that when we receive one such child in his name, we receive Christ and God as well? What would believing this do to our serving others?