Sermon Notes

The Gospel of Mark
The Great Paradox // Mark 9:30-37

“Paradox – truth standing on her head to get attention.” -G.K. Chesterton

“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.’ But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’ And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’” -Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭30‬-‭37‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The Sacrificial G.O.A.T.

“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.’ But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.” -Mark 9:30-32

Delivered: to give into the hand of another, condemned or put to death

“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” -Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬‬‬‬

We respond to Jesus’ sacrifice by allowing him to live his life through us by submitting our life to him.

Greatness for Jesus Followers Comes from Service to Others.

“And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’” -Mark 9:33-35

True greatness is not found in rank or position, but in character and service.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭45‬‬‬‬‬

The disciples were concerned about their elevation, ignoring that it came off the back of their savior’s humiliation.

Service to others is the primary way in which believers imitate and fulfill the mission of Jesus.

The way of service, is the way of Jesus, which is the way of true greatness.

“The Gospel frees us from our addiction to ourselves.” -Tony Merida

Greatness for Jesus Followers Comes from Humility Towards Others.

“And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’” -Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭36‬-‭37‬‬‬‬‬‬

The child represents: Ancient Societies view on children.

Humble servant.

Christ’s love for children.

A person in need.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” -Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” -Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭35‬-‭40‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” -Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭8‬‬‬‬‬‬