Essential Discipleship Lessons, Part 1 | Mark 9:30–41

Jesus now returns to their Capernaum home for the last time.  He seeks to remain incognito due to judgment against the region.  The main reason, though, is to instruct the disciples, and we can learn important lessons about discipleship from this time.

Disciples must understand the preeminence of the gospel (vv. 30–32).  They must understand His work, so He’s been teaching them plainly (8:31–32).  He even mentions the resurrection again after the Transfiguration (9:9).  They don’t understand yet (v. 32), and He will keep telling them (10:33–34). 

Disciples are accountable for their disputes (vv. 33–34).  Instead of discussing what Jesus meant, they were arguing on the road about which of them was the greatest!  However, now they’re silent; this wasn’t a discussion that they should have been having.  Perhaps after the failure of the nine (vv. 14–29), Peter, James, and John argued they were greater, considering what they saw on the mountain and with Jairus’s daughter (5:37–43).  Disciples can expect the Lord to confront such acts of pride.

Disciples should serve one another (vv. 35–37).  Interestingly, instead of censuring them for the desire for greatness, Jesus challenges them to change their definition of greatness.  He calls them to “be last,” serving the needs of even someone on the lowest rung of the social ladder—a child.  We do this in Christ’s name based on His model for us (Phili 2:5–8). 


Disciples should not be exclusionary (vv. 38–41).  There are those who disqualify themselves as ministers in church either by teaching or behavior (Ti 1:10–11, 16), so, this isn’t a call against discernment.  However, some profess correctly and practice good works, perhaps casting out demons or giving out water.  Works can cover a false conversion and sinfulness, and that will come to light eventually (1 Tm 5:24; Mt 7:21–23).  Until proven otherwise, however, we should believe and hope the best (1 Cor 13:7)—extending the grace to others that you so desperately need.

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