Learning Kingdom Lessons (Mark 9:30-41)

Jesus' interactions with the disciples give us a unique perspective on what it can look like to follow Jesus by falling forward. Oftentimes, the disciples followed faithfully, and then the next minute fumbled over even the smallest matters of faith and trust. In these passages, we get a glimpse of the same struggle we often have: to be consistent in trusting, following, and worshipping Jesus as we were made to do!

It’s easy to be saved, but stubborn (v. 30-32)
- The disciples still failed to understand Jesus’ claims about his death and resurrection.
- This isn’t the fault of unclear teaching, but their stubbornness
- Their failure to seek truth in the midst of misunderstanding is irrational and prideful
It is easy to be saved, but self-centered (v. 33-37)
- Jesus asks the disciples a question he knows the answer to, and they essentially hide, just like Adam and Eve.
- Their response to Jesus’ death and resurrection statements was to double down on their hope for the Kingdom, not His.
- If they want to be first in the Kingdom, they should prepare to be “last” in the eyes of the world.
- They will find their place in the Kingdom when they stop worrying about their place in the Kingdom.
- Jesus appeals to children because they have nothing to offer in a culture of patronage.
It is easy to be saved, but short-sighted (v. 38-41)
- For the disciples, the Kingdom was about their group.
- Jesus wants them to prepare for the near future where the name of Jesus will infect the known world and move past them.
- In the next 10 years, many of the disciples will be cared for and ministered to by unknown Christians in foreign cities.