Mark's Gospel: Chapter 9
Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
Key words
- To have a fit: a sudden attack of uncontrolled movements
People with epilepsy often suffer from fits.
- Foam at the mouth: to have bubbles coming out of one's mouth as a result of an illness
They found her on the ground, foaming at the mouth.
- Lifeless: dead
His lifeless body lay on the floor.
- Offend: to commit a crime
She was released from jail, only to offend again three weeks later.
- Pluck: to pull something, especially with a sudden movement, in order to remove it
Do you pluck your eyebrows?
Read the article to find the answers
- Why couldn't the disciples heal the child?
- What did the disciples argue about?
- What did Jesus tell them about being first?
- What is it better to enter into the kingdom of God with?
The disciples fail to heal a boy
When Jesus returned to His disciples the people rushed over to meet Him. One of them told Jesus that his son was possessed by a spirit, but the disciples couldn't heal him. Jesus replied:
"O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him to me."
So they brought the child to Jesus, and the spirit immediately threw the boy into a violent fit, causing him to fall to the ground and foam at the mouth. The father pleaded for compassion and help. Jesus told him that all things are possible to those who believe, and the father cried out in tears:
"Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the boy. The spirit screamed, shook the boy violently, and then came out of him. The boy appeared lifeless, and many thought he was dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and the boy stood up, completely healed. His disciples asked why they could not heal the child. Jesus replied:
"This kind of evil spirit can only be cast out by prayer and fasting."
Jesus goes to Capernaum
When they arrived in Capernaum, Jesus asked His disciples what they were talking about during the journey. But they were silent because they were arguing about who was the best disciple.
Jesus told them that anyone who wanted to be first must be everyone's servant. Then He picked up a child and said to them:
"Whoever accepts such children in my name, receives me. And whoever receives me, receives Him that sent me."
"Whoever offends one of these little ones that believe in me, will be punished."
"If your hand offends you, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life with one hand, than to enter hell with two hands."
"And if your eye offends you, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to be cast into hell fire with two eyes."
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Do you know the Bible passage quoted at the top of this article?
- Do you know anyone who fasts for health?
- Do you think your leaders should serve everyone?