18th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 9:30-37

Summary

This is one of those texts where it’s pretty easy to laugh at the disciples. This is the second time Jesus told them he was going to die and then rise again after three days. And yet they were still so confused that they didn’t even want to ask him questions! Why can’t they figure it out?!?

When I was in seminary, we spent a whole semester on the Gospel of Mark. One day, my professor asked us an interesting question: What if the disciples didn’t know that the “Son of Man” was Jesus? What if they didn’t know Jesus was referring to himself when he made this prediction that the Son of Man would die and then rise again after three days? It’s an interesting question.

Another way to approach this is to try to think of ways to explain the…

1. Jesus’ unexpected manner of being the Messiah left many people angry and disappointed. When have you been disappointed with or angry at God’s chosen path? How do you feel about those moments now?

2. Jesus measures greatness by serving others. Reflect on some of the people you have considered “great” over the years. How did they match or depart from Jesus’ definition of greatness?

3. How can you be “great” by serving others in the coming weeks?

4. Jesus noticed the overlooked children and charged his disciples with noticing such overlooked people around them as well. Who have you given attention to…