MARKAN MEDITATIONS

Meditations in the Gospel of St.Mark

St. Mark 9:33-37

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THE TEACHING of Jesus in this short passage is triggered off by the pride and vain glory of the disciples as they argue amongst themselves who was the greatest among them. It is plain by the shame shown in their silence when Jesus questions them, that each one thought himself better than the others, and wanted to be superior to all the others. Then it is apparent from the fact Jesus tackles them on their conversation as they journeyed to Capernaum that the argument over who was the greatest had become quite heated.

Like all evil in believers, Jesus turns the evil into good. Here he uses their sinful pride to teach them the nature of true greatness, in fact the greatness that is in God.

How warped sin has made the thinking of us human beings. The disciples were only expressing the emotions and desires and attitudes of fallen humanity. What is greatness as perceived by the world. Is it not being better and above our fellow human beings. Is it not being superior in wealth, or intelligence, or in skill, or in position. Is it not being in a position whereby we can look down on others, and in some measure control them and use them. This is the warped thinking of Satan that he has worked in us through the fall. Satan expressed this false attitude when he sought, as the Bible hints at, to overthrow God in heaven, which caused his great fall and banishment from the favour of God. Greatness as Satan teaches is being better and more superior and dominating over others.

In contrast Jesus teaches something quite different. Greatness does not depend on the greatness of our intelligence or skill or position. True greatness is open to all whatever their station in life and whatever the intelligence or gifts they have been endowed with. In fact our intelligence or gifts can never be true greatness, because they have been bestowed and we can never say we have produced them ourselves. The important thing in true greatness is not our skills, but our heart and how we use the gifts God has given us.

What is true greatness that is Godlike. It is seen in loving service for others, and being prepared to stoop as low as is necessary to help, care for and love others. Not just some who are attractive and nice. Jesus speaks in verse 35 of greatness being in being the servant of all.

Then Jesus goes more deeply into this teaching. He takes a little child into his arms. Children were treated and looked upon in the time of Jesus much as in our own Victorian culture. They were the least for consideration. They must be seen but not heard, etc. Jesus continues by saying whoever welcomes a little child, welcomes him, and so they welcome God because they welcome Jesus. Thus true greatness is to glorify God, and place him highest, and because we glorify God by loving all, even the least attractive and lowest. True greatness is condescending in love, and giving to all, and specially those whom the world despises.

If we want to learn what true greatness is we need to look into the revelation of the heart of God given us in the Bible. What is the most repeated declaration concerning God throughout the Bible. Is it not that God looked down in love and grace upon us unworthy sinners? Is it not that this care was given when we showed no repentance or worthiness? Is it not that God loved to the uttermost, giving his most precious gift, his only begotten Son, and not just to come and help us and teach us, but to give his life a ransom for us? Is it not in the fact that God condescended to us so lovingly that he was willing to send his Son to Hell, and visit all the punishment for our debt of sin upon him, so that we might be saved and loved, and be made worthy of his heavenly glory.

Jesus mirrored this greatness in his act of washing the disciples feet before his passion. He was symbolically showing them he was ready and willing to stoop to the lowest humiliation to provide the washing from sin that would make us clean and fit for heaven.

True greatness is not lauding it over others, or seeking to be above them or better than them. True greatness is in sacrificial service in love without any limit, just as Jesus served us. We can only begin to approach true greatness, for our service and sacrifice is so limited and superficial, but we can seek to deepen it. It will bring little praise or thanks from the world. It will receive little or no recognition. Still this is greatness that is godlike. It will receive recognition before God. The world also will be a better place for such greatness.