사귐의 소리 2025

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Mark 9:33-37 “The Upside-Down Kingdom”

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5–7 minutes

Mark 9:33-37 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum and stayed there for a while. At that time, Jesus asked his disciples what they had been arguing about on the way (v. 33). They had been disputing over “who is the greatest” (v. 34). Jesus likely knew what they were discussing but pretended not to at first. When Jesus asked them, the disciples remained silent because they realized that he already knew. They also likely felt ashamed for arguing over such a matter. Despite Jesus’ repeated teachings, they still expected him to establish an earthly kingdom, and they quarreled over who would be recognized as the most important figure when that happened.

Jesus called the disciples together and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all” (v. 35). The disciples desired to sit in the highest position. But Jesus’ teaching—that to be first, one must descend to the lowest position and serve—must have shocked them. It was completely opposite to the principles of the world they knew. They only later came to understand what Jesus truly meant. To Jesus, being “first” did not mean occupying the highest position but rather becoming the greatest person in a different sense. In the world’s system, those who rise to power and take the highest seat are considered the “first.” But in the kingdom of God, those who humble themselves and take the lowest position are considered the “first.”

Jesus then called a child who was nearby, placed the child in front of them, embraced him, and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me” (v. 37). At that time, children were among the lowest and weakest members of society. When Jesus spoke of welcoming a child “in my name,” He was teaching that caring for and serving the vulnerable and marginalized according to his will was what truly mattered. Both welcoming Jesus and welcoming the one who sent him signify receiving God’s reign and authority in one’s life. When we humble ourselves to serve the weak and those on the margins, the kingdom of God is revealed in our midst.

Meditation:

Being a disciple of Jesus means opening our eyes to the kingdom of God and living according to its principles and order. Christian faith is not about following the ways of this world while on earth and then entering God’s kingdom after death. Rather, it is about living out the principles of the coming kingdom here and now.

The principles of God’s kingdom often differ from those of this world. From a worldly perspective, God’s kingdom appears to be an “upside-down kingdom.” The principles shaped by our fallen sinful nature can be summarized as “survival of the fittest,” “winner takes all,” and “the strong dominate the weak.” According to these worldly principles, we strive to elevate ourselves as much as possible and seek to have more people under our control. Our sinful nature does not hesitate to sacrifice others for personal gain and security. It also inclines us to reject and discriminate against those who are different from us. Instead of serving the weak, we seek to align ourselves with the powerful, the wealthy, and the influential to improve our own status.

When we open our eyes to the kingdom of God, we come to realize how deeply sinful these worldly ways are. This understanding leads us to strive to live according to the principles of God’s kingdom. The way of God’s kingdom is one of humility, self-emptying, and service. Instead of seeking connections with the strong, wealthy, and powerful, we shift our attention to the weak, the poor, and the lowly.

Living according to the principles of God’s kingdom in this world often makes success and prosperity difficult. The world does not easily tolerate those who live by a different standard. As a result, believers may face rejection, persecution, or even martyrdom. However, a disciple of Jesus does not waver on this path. By following Jesus, the way of the cross, they experience the reality of God’s kingdom even now. They remain steadfast because they understand that what they will gain in the kingdom to come far surpasses anything they might lose in this world.

Prayer:

Lord, the ways of this world are deeply ingrained in our hearts and bodies. We constantly look upward, striving to elevate ourselves. We long for wealth so that we can enjoy ourselves more, and we seek power so that we can control others. In doing so, we often pass by the weak, the marginalized, the poor, and the suffering. Yet, even as we live this way, we still pray to see you and experience your kingdom—how contradictory we are! Oh Lord, cleanse our hearts and lives of the world’s principles. Remove from us the desire to seek status, wealth, and power. Instead, may our only prayer be to humble ourselves so that we may serve more people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s kingdom is different from the world. People try to be the greatest in the world by being the strongest, wealthiest, or most powerful. But in God’s kingdom, the greatest person is the one who humbles themselves, serves others, and cares for the weak. Jesus showed us this through his life and calls us to follow him by loving and serving others.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • Jesus said the greatest person is the one who serves others. Can you think of a way you can help someone today?
    • Jesus welcomed little children and said they are important. How does knowing that Jesus loves and values you make you feel?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • The world tells us to be “first,” but Jesus says the greatest person is the one who serves others. What do you think that means?
    • Who are the people in your school or community that others might ignore or leave out? How can you show them love as Jesus did?
  • For High School
    • Jesus’ teaching about being “first” by being “last” is the opposite of how the world works. Why do you think God’s kingdom works this way?
    • Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on our own success rather than helping others. What are some small, practical ways we can shift our focus toward serving and lifting others up?

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