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Mark 9

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

For he that is not against us is on our part.

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

What does Mark 9:37 mean?

Explanation

Mark 9:37 expresses a profound spiritual principle related to the nature of hospitality and recognition of Jesus' followers, as well as the unity within the hierarchy of divine authority. Jesus indicates that to receive a child in His name is to receive Him.

Furthermore, in receiving Jesus, one also receives God the Father, who sent Him. The use of a child, an individual of lowly social status in ancient societies, emphasizes humility and service to the marginalized as a means to serve Christ and God.

This verse accentuates the significance of welcoming and serving those without prestige as if one were serving Jesus Himself, encapsulating the virtue of selflessness.

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Historical Context

At the time when Jesus spoke these words, He and His disciples were in the region of Galilee, making their way towards Jerusalem.

It was during this journey that Jesus took time to instruct His disciples on humility and service following a dispute among them regarding who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

In a society that placed great importance on social status and hierarchical structures, Jesus used the example of a child, considered low in the social order, to teach a radical message of welcoming and honoring the least as a pathway to honoring God.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse provides insight into the nature of the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.

It implies a divine trinity, though not explicitly mentioning the Holy Spirit, where acknowledging one member of the trinity reflects upon the others.

Different denominations have integrated this concept into their understanding of the Holy Trinity and how God's authority and essence are shared among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For some, it also speaks to the theme of 'incarnation,' suggesting that acts of kindness done to God's children (believers or the marginalized) are received by God Himself.

Practical Applications

Practically, Mark 9:37 encourages believers to live out their faith in tangible ways, treating others with kindness, respect, and hospitality, especially those who may be regarded as unimportant by societal standards.

It challenges individuals and communities to reflect on how they welcome and serve others, promoting a culture of inclusivity and love that mirrors Jesus' own ministry.

The verse can be seen as promoting volunteerism, philanthropy, and a general ethos of serving "the least of these" as a central aspect of Christian discipleship.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:5 "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
Matthew 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Luke 9:48 "And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receiveth me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."
John 13:20 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "receive one of such children" uses the word "δέχομαι" (dechomai), meaning to welcome or accept in a hospitable manner.

The term "in my name" (ἐν ὀνόματί μου, en onomati mou) implies acting with the authority or character of Jesus, essentially, being His representative.

The words for "me" and "receiveth" are identical (ἐμέ and λαμβάνει, respectively), underscoring the personal and relational aspect of this teaching.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, showing hospitality to strangers was of high importance, consider, for example, the Greek concept of xenia or the hospitality code in ancient Middle Eastern societies, where guests were to be treated as if they were divine messengers.

The concept of identifying the divine with the marginalized is not as common, but Mark 9:37 reflects a radical shift in social norms by equating the acceptance of a lowly child with receiving God Himself, challenging existing societal hierarchies.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of altruism and social behavior may provide insights into the benefits of following the teaching of this verse.

Research has shown that acts of kindness and serving others can have positive psychological and sometimes physiological effects on both the giver and the receiver.

These scientific perspectives align with the principles of serving others selflessly that Jesus is teaching in this passage.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries and theologians offer interpretations of Mark 9:37.

Renowned commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize that in showing kindness to the least esteemed, one expresses the nature of Christ's teachings.

John Calvin, the Protestant reformer, highlighted the necessity of humility and childlike simplicity in faith and service.

Contemporary scholars note this verse as a call for the church to be a place where all are welcomed and valued, challenging modern Christians to exemplify the indiscriminate love of Jesus by their actions.

Mark 9

Mark 9

What does Mark 9:37 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 9:37 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?