MARK 9:33-41

MARK 9:33-41

MARK 9:33-41 - “They had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.” Failing to recognize the true character of the kingdom of God, they thought of it as a place for worldly advancement and so contended with each other as to their respective merits and likelihood of prominence when the kingdom should actually be set up.

“If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” He who will be most highly honored in the kingdom of God is the one who seeks no honor for himself, but lays himself out for the blessing of others.  

Such an attitude is common to many today who think more of sectarian affiliation than of the carrying on of the work of the Lord. We are all prone to over-estimate the importance of our own particular group and to underrate others who do not see eye to eye with us. But the supreme test is the heart’s attitude toward Christ. God is not dealing with any party to the exclusion of others. His presence, by the Spirit, is not confined to any one special company of believers, however sound they may be. He recognizes all as His children who trust His Son, and He owns everything that is of Him in each one, whatever their associations may be, although we on our part are responsible to separate from all known evil. 

  “There is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me.” The very fact that this man acted in the name of Jesus Christ indicated his faith in Him. Where His name is thus acknowledged, He will be loved and honored, at least in measure. 

“For he that is not against us is on our part.” It is so easy to be sectarian in spirit. Jesus declared a great truth that we should never forget, when He said, “He that is not against us is on our part.” On another occasion He said, “He that is not with Me is against Me” (Matt. 12:30). That is positive, but here He speaks negatively. If one is not definitely arrayed against Him then he is to be considered as on His part. This is something most of us forget. But the Lord never spurns anyone who is seeking to know Him and to do His will.