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 9:30-50

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 9:35

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 9:30-50, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus was not seeking attention for Himself (v30) but for His Father who sent Him. Jesus sought humility so that we could see God's power to raise His Son from the dead.  God also wants humility for His followers (v35).  Humility implies serving others much in the same way that a parent must provide for and serve a child (v37).  God wants believers to support and care for believers in the same way parents care for their children - we are all part of God's family and we are to care for one another.  We must also help other believers avoid sin (vv42, 50)and to avoid conflicts with other believers.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People, even believers, often seek glory for themselves like the disciples did in their argument about who was the greatest among them (v34).  We must remember that as believers it is not about us - it's about Him as we exist to bring glory to the one who saved us - Jesus!  When we seek glory for ourselves, we become jealous of others that might be doing good in Jesus' name (vv38-40).  Such jealousy can lead to conflicts (v50). 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must remain humble and seek to glorify Him not ourselves.  This means we must serve as Jesus did.  Avoid pride.  Be aware of what drives our prideful behavior and seek ways to eliminate influences that drive us towards this behavior (vv43-48).

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves...You came to seek and save the lost and You willingly laid down Your life...for me and for the sin of all of humanity for all of redemptive history.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings that You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.