Caught! ~ Bob Coy

Then He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" Mark 9:33 (NKJV)

Everybody knows what it's like to get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. You get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. What seemed like such a great idea just a second ago suddenly becomes a source of humiliation. It's not a fun experience, but it's an essential part of growing up. Without it-without getting busted-our unhealthy appetites would go unchecked.

In Mark 9:33, Jesus catches the disciples with their hands in the cookie jar. They had just been arguing among themselves about which of them would be the greatest in God's Kingdom. "Greatest in God's Kingdom" is a contradiction of sorts, because in God's Kingdom the greatest happens to be the one with the most humble heart. So Kingdom greatness is not something that's attained by those who pursue it. The way up is down.

The disciples were in need of some serious discipleship on this point, so Jesus asked them what they were arguing about. You can just imagine that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs. Of course, nobody wanted to fess up and admit they'd been speaking so selfishly. There must have been an awkward, yet healthy, moment of contemplation. "Wow, what were we arguing about? Jesus never seems to worry about being great, so why should we?"

With their minds made pliable by the question, Jesus explains that the greatest in God's Kingdom will always be the most humble servant of all. The disciples understood His point, but it would still take some time for them to fully put this principle into practice...as it does with us.

From time to time, God asks us similar questions. Questions that bring our attitudes and actions to light, questions that catch us with our hands in the cookie jar. But when He does, He always does it for our discipleship.

Discuss God’s perspective on greatness. In your life, who has best demonstrated the Christian life? How is that person a true servant?

Dig into Mark 9:30–37. Why do you think Jesus posed this question? Why didn’t He receive an answer? What message did Jesus convey in verses 36–37? How does this challenge our faith?

Decide as a group to pray for those who faithfully serve in your local church. Thank God for the role that they play and the Kingdom contributions they make.