Mark 9:33-37 33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” ESV LESSON NOTES / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS G.O.A.T = Greatest of all time. From athletics, to art, to music, to acting, and so much more, there are a lot of G.O.A.T debates that people engage in. With that, people use different arguments and examples to define true greatness. Our gauge for who or what is the “Greatest of all time” is based on how we see true greatness. 1.) Are there any G.O.A.T arguments that you find yourself passionate about? 2.) What are some core tenants of greatness in an area of interest for you? Mark 9:33-34. As Jesus and the disciples were on their way to Capernaum, the disciples got into a heated conversation around this topic: "Who among them was the true G.O.A.T?". Upon entering the house, Jesus asks the disciples this question, “What were you discussing on the way?” (vs. 33) The disciples' response? “But they kept silent…” (vs. 34). They didn’t say any words, but their silence still spoke. At the hearing of Jesus’ question, the disciples were embarrassed and afraid. They were embarrassed by their actions and they were afraid of being exposed. In our humanity, fear and embarrassment are barriers to honesty. Combined, fear and embarrassment produce shame. Yet, here's the gospel truth: We have nothing to hide because the cross of Jesus has already exposed us. 1.) What embarrassments of your life are hindering your honesty with God and with others? 2.) What spaces and rhythms of vulnerability do you have in your life? Mark 9:35. The world measures greatness by who's in first and who's in charge. Yet, as Jesus defines greatness, He flips greatness on its head. He even says this in Matthew 18:4 “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility admits that "I need Jesus and I need others" as we acknowledge and accept our own limitations. In our humility, we see the relational dynamic we are to share with those around us. This relational dynamic shows us that humility is a give and receive relationship between us and others. By walking in humility and service towards others and allowing ourselves to receive the humility and service of others, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus (Philippians 2:4-8) 1.) Is it difficult for you to accept the help of others? Why or why not? 2.) How has Jesus' upside down definition of greatness affected or challenged your work? Relationships? Mark 9:36-37. Hospitality was a normal part of Jewish culture. In fact, it was expected. At the same time, another cultural norm was that children were extreme blessings. While children were, and still are, a tremendous blessing, they are still helpless, dependent, and small. In relation to social status, children did not rank very high. Yet, in Jesus' real life example of greatness, He uses a child to show what true greatness is. In an argument where the disciples were debating who’s the biggest, Jesus says that greatness is seen in who welcomes the smallest. In other words, to be great is to show hospitality to those who can do nothing for you. 1.) Read this quote. "Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” In what ways does this quote challenge/encourage you? 2.) As you think about what it means to show hospitality (be both host and guest), what feelings or thoughts are invoked within you? Why? "True Greatness". When discussing true greatness, Jesus highlights what true greatness is: To be great is to be honest (vs. 33-34). To be great is to be humble (vs. 35). To be great is to show hospitality to those who can do nothing for you. (vs. 36-37) 1.) As you think about "true greatness", which of these tenants of greatness most challenges you? Most encourages you?
