MPV Commentary

Strife among the Twelve Who Should Be Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, with Relative Teaching--Incidental Rebuke of John for Exclusiveness.

The disciples were engaged in a heated discussion about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Mr 9:33-37). This dispute arose after Jesus had announced that he would soon suffer and die at the hands of the Jewish leaders, and then rise from the dead on the third day. The disciples' conversation was likely sparked by their recent experience of seeing Jesus exalted as the Son of God during the transfiguration (Mt 16:19-28).

Jesus asked them why they were arguing about who would be the greatest, but they remained silent (Mr 9:34). He then took a child and placed it in the midst of them, saying that anyone who wanted to be first must be prepared to take the last and lowest place (Mr 9:35). This teaching is similar to Jesus' earlier statement about becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt 18:3-4).

Jesus then said that unless they were converted and became as little children, they would not enter into the kingdom of heaven. He emphasized that humility was essential for greatness in the kingdom, and that anyone who humbled themselves like a child would be considered greatest (Mr 9:36-37). This teaching is closely related to Jesus' earlier statement about becoming like little children to enter the kingdom.

Incidental Rebuke of John for Exclusiveness (Mr 9:38-41).

John interrupted Jesus' teaching with a question about a man who was casting out demons in Jesus' name but did not follow them. The disciples had forbidden this man because he did not follow them, and they wanted to know if they were right to do so. Jesus replied that they were wrong to forbid the man, as anyone who does a miracle in his name cannot lightly speak evil of him (Mr 9:38-39).

Jesus taught that no one will readily speak evil of him who has faith to do a miracle in his name. He also emphasized that if someone is not against them, they are considered on their side. This teaching highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among believers.

Continuation of Teaching Suggested by the Disciples' Strife (Mr 9:42-50).

Jesus continued his teaching with a warning about causing others to stumble. He said that it would be better for someone who causes another believer to stumble to have a millstone hung around their neck and be cast into the sea than to suffer eternal consequences (Mr 9:42). This teaching is closely related to Jesus' earlier statement about offenses coming, but woe to the one by whom the offense comes (Mt 18:7).

Jesus also taught that if someone's hand or eye causes them to stumble, they should cut it off or pluck it out. He emphasized that it was better to enter life maimed than to go into hell with two hands or eyes (Mr 9:43-47). This teaching is similar to Jesus' earlier statement about cutting off one's right hand or plucking out one's right eye if they cause themselves to stumble (Mt 5:29-30).

Jesus concluded his teaching by emphasizing the importance of retaining precious qualities that make us a blessing to others. He said, "Have salt in yourselves" and "have peace one with another" (Mr 9:50). This teaching is closely related to Jesus' earlier statement about being the salt of the earth and having light in their eyes (Mt 5:13-16).