(25th Sunday OT B) True Greatness

Just after the Transfiguration and the revelation that the disciples were not yet ready to do what Jesus does independently of him, the disciples begin to discuss who among them is the greatest. This they do after hearing for the second time about Jesus’ prophecy of his death. Were they trying to decide who among them would replace Jesus in the event that his words do become a reality? In any event, when asked about the topic of their discussion, they became silent. Jesus knew what they were talking about and so he talks to them about true greatness.

In the previous Sunday, Jesus rebuked Peter on account of this latter’s mistaken notion of His Messiahship. In today’s gospel we find him correcting his disciples’ idea of greatness. To be great in the kingdom is to be last of all and to be the servant of all.

Relevant Articles

• To Be The Last Of All and Servant Of All
• Wisdom That Comes From Above (James 3:16-4:3)
• Mark 9:36-37: Counting Diamonds
• Mark 9:30-37 Seeing Things
• OCarm: Lectio on Mark 9:30-37
• A Follower’s Perspective

Guide to the Reading of the Text

1. Note the following about how the text of 9:30-37 are tied up in a single unit.
   1. Verse 30 gives us the point of departure while verse 33 gives us the point of arrival.
   2. After Jesus enters the house, he sits down
   3. In verse 36, Jesus calls in a child while he sits (v. 35).
2. The teachings in vv. 35-37 forms part of the conversation that follows until v. 50¹. Read the teachings of Jesus from 35-50 and try to figure out what he is saying here about “greatness”.
3. Compare Mark 9:30-37 to the following passages:
   • Mark 10:13-16
   • Mark 10:32-34
   • Mark 30:35-45

What fundamental attitudes do Jesus want from his disciples, seen from the perspective of these verses from Mark 10? How do these compare with the ones he points out in 9:30-37?

Comparing the Readings

The text from Wisdom 2:12.17-20 is a classic wisdom text about the suffering innocent. It is related to the Jesus’ declarations about the Son of Man who will be betrayed and put to death. In the passage from Wisdom, the perpetrators of violence — the fools — test God in trying to make the innocent man suffer.

The second reading from James is related to the dispute of the disciples on the way about who among them is the greatest. Jesus emphasizes humility over their ambitions. In the household of Jesus, there is no place for envy and self-seeking. James (James 3:16-4:3) reminds his community about the values that should reign in the household of the Lord.

Suggestions for the Lesson

The theme of the gospel reading continues the one of the preceding Sunday about denying oneself, carrying the cross and walking behind Jesus until the cross of Good Friday into the glory of Easter. What Jesus tells his disciples in the house at Caphernaum and in the presence of a child is related to self-denial and the welcoming of those who are despised. Thus, one can emphasize the following:

1. The question of greatness among the disciples of Jesus is to be seen within the context of being like Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, who inherited the Name Above All Names precisely because he emptied himself, took the form of a slave and was obedient even unto death (see Philippians 2:6-11).

2. The greatest is the one who is last of all and is the servant of all. Jesus explains this with the attitude of one who welcomes the despised, the nothings of this world, as exemplified in a child whom he embraces before his disciples. Like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve, the disciple must learn that greatness is found in service.

Tags: discipleship, gospel, greatness, mark