Mark 9:30-42 - Greatness for Dummies

There's nothing like a little friendly competition, right? The danger is when our competition with one another strays away from fun and games and is rooted in selfish ego, unnecessary comparison, and carelessness toward others.

As we enter into our next section of Mark's gospel, we are presented with Jesus humbly announcing his oncoming death for a second time. It is something which he endures because He knows what will come as a result, and because He is a servant to the glory of God and greater good of humanity. However, the pride of the disciples stands in stark contrast to the humility which Jesus is prepared to embody.

Rather than boasting in ourselves, we must determine to receive the humble Christ who died for our sin and shame, and to follow in His footsteps.