17: The second prediction & the discipleship (Mark 9:30 – 50)

Jesus kept telling His disciples of his death and resurrection. But, They tried to win the highest place and monopolize the privilege of the discipleship of the Lord.

πŸ‘‰ Read Mark 9:30 - 50

Q1. Compare the first prediction of death (8:31) and the second prediction (9:31). What is the new in the second? 

The Son of Man will be betrayed.

The first prediction focuses on the rejection of Christ by the Jewish leaders. It is because the ministry of Christ won’t be in accord with their ambition for a Jewish nation. 

The second one addresses the betrayal of Jesus by one of His followers. This announcement must be shocking for those who were following Jesus. 

They might have questioned, ‘We all love and follow Him. How could one of us betray Him?’ However, in connection with the following passage where the disciples were arguing who was the greatest, the author says, ‘Anyone who seeks own glory while following could betray Him.’ 

Jesus didn’t say, ‘I will be betrayed’ or 'The Christ will be betrayed,' but 'the Son of Man will be betrayed.’ He was going according to God's predesignated plan. He will bear the cross as a servant of man in obedience to God. 


Q2. On the way following Jesus, they argued about who was (                 ). Jesus said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be (            ), he must be (           ) of all and (           ) of all. Whoever welcomes one of the little children in my name welcomes (          ).’

Greatest, first, last, servant, me.

They sought to be the greatest. But Jesus did tell them a requirement to be the first. We have nothing to boast about in ourselves. If you want any reward, you'd better try to be first to become His workers.

Jesus came to serve. Therefore, the one who makes himself a servant of all for Jesus’ sake is the first. For that person has welcomed Jesus and God through Jesus. Anyone who has the Spirit of God is great.


Q3. To His disciples who wanted to be great, Jesus gave four messages. For each message, please find corresponding verses.

Don’t seek to be the greatest among your church. Rather, serve the least, for it is to serve Jesus. (v       )

Do not bully coworkers because they don’t agree with you. Serve them, for they bear Jesus’ name and represent Jesus. (v         )

Most of all, you should be careful not to make others stumble. (v       )

Rather, do your best not to sin even to the point that you cut off a part of your body (v      )


37 (or 35), 39 & 41, 42, 43-47.



Though Jesus announced His suffering several times, they failed to recognize what that meant for them and disclosed their selfish ambition. Jesus taught them what is it like to be Jesus’ disciples.


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