Mark 9:37
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me."
Whoever welcomes
The Greek word for "welcomes" is "δέχεται" (dechetai), which implies receiving or accepting with hospitality and kindness. In the cultural context of the time, hospitality was a significant virtue, often seen as a reflection of one's character and faith. This phrase emphasizes the importance of embracing others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, as an expression of one's faith and obedience to Christ.

one of these little children
The term "little children" is translated from the Greek "παιδίον" (paidion), which refers to a young child or infant. In the historical context, children were considered among the least in society, without status or power. Jesus uses children as a metaphor for humility and innocence, teaching that greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve and care for the least among us.

in My name
The phrase "in My name" signifies acting with the authority and character of Jesus. In biblical times, a name represented one's identity and mission. To welcome a child in Jesus' name means to do so as His representative, embodying His love, compassion, and humility. This underscores the call for believers to reflect Christ's nature in their interactions with others.

welcomes Me
Here, Jesus equates the act of welcoming a child with welcoming Himself. This profound statement highlights the intrinsic value and dignity of every person, especially those who are often overlooked. It challenges believers to see Christ in everyone, recognizing that acts of kindness and acceptance are ultimately directed toward Him.

and whoever welcomes Me
This phrase reiterates the connection between welcoming others and welcoming Christ. It serves as a reminder that our relationship with Jesus is intertwined with how we treat those around us. The repetition emphasizes the importance of this teaching, urging believers to live out their faith through tangible acts of love and acceptance.

welcomes not only Me
The inclusion of "not only Me" expands the scope of the welcome beyond Jesus Himself. It suggests that our actions have a broader spiritual significance, connecting us to the divine mission and purpose of God. This phrase invites believers to see their actions as part of a larger narrative of God's redemptive work in the world.

but the One who sent Me
This final phrase refers to God the Father, who sent Jesus into the world. The Greek word "ἀποστείλαντά" (aposteilanta) means "to send forth" with a purpose. By welcoming others, believers participate in the mission of God, aligning themselves with His will and purpose. This statement reinforces the unity between Jesus and the Father, and the call for believers to be active participants in God's kingdom work.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of God.

2. The Disciples
Jesus' followers who are being instructed on humility and service.

3. A Little Child
Represents innocence, humility, and the least in society, whom Jesus uses as an example to teach a profound spiritual truth.
Teaching Points
The Value of Humility
Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in status or power.

Welcoming the Least
By welcoming a child, we are called to embrace those who are often overlooked or undervalued in society.

Reflecting Christ's Character
As followers of Christ, we are to embody His humility and love, serving others selflessly.

The Kingdom Perspective
Jesus challenges worldly views of greatness, inviting us to adopt a kingdom mindset that values humility and service.

The Importance of Childlike Faith
Embracing a childlike faith means trusting God fully and approaching Him with innocence and openness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 9:37 challenge our modern understanding of greatness and success?

2. In what ways can we practice welcoming and valuing those who are considered "the least" in our communities?

3. How does the example of a child in this passage help us understand the nature of faith and humility?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a servant's heart in our daily lives?

5. How do the teachings in Philippians 2:3-7 and 1 Peter 5:5-6 reinforce the message of Mark 9:37, and how can we apply these principles in our interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 18:1-5
This passage parallels Mark 9:37, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 9:46-48
Another account of the same teaching, highlighting the disciples' misunderstanding of greatness and Jesus' correction.

Philippians 2:3-7
Paul echoes Jesus' teaching on humility, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who took on the nature of a servant.

1 Peter 5:5-6
Peter instructs believers to clothe themselves with humility, reinforcing the principle that God exalts the humble.
A Child for a TextC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 9:33-37
AmbitionChas. Hedge, D. D.Mark 9:33-37
Disciples DisputingExpository Discourses.Mark 9:33-37
HonourR. Green Mark 9:33-37
In My NameM. F. Sadler.Mark 9:33-37
Lesson Against PrideJ. H. Godwin.Mark 9:33-37
Receiveth MeM. F. Sadler.Mark 9:33-37
The Desire to be FirstH. Clay Trumbull.Mark 9:33-37
The Lesson of HumilityG. Petter.Mark 9:33-37
The Lesson of HumilityJ.J. Given Mark 9:33-37
The Symbolic ChildE. Johnson Mark 9:33-37
The True Child Our PatternVita.Mark 9:33-37
Who is the GreatestJ. C. Gray.Mark 9:33-37
Who Shall be Greatest?A.F. Muir Mark 9:33-37
People
Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Galilee, High Mountain
Topics
Child, Doesn't, Gives, Honour, Receive, Receives, Receiveth, Sake, Welcome, Welcomes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 9:37

     1170   God, unity of
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     6604   acceptance, human
     7707   apostles, designation
     7922   fellowship, with God
     8330   receptiveness

Mark 9:33-37

     2036   Christ, humility
     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     5554   status
     8205   childlikeness

Mark 9:34-37

     5937   rivalry

Mark 9:36-37

     2081   Christ, wisdom
     5665   children, attitudes to

Library
February 2 Evening
One star differeth from another star in glory.--I COR. 15:41. 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.--Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
'He answereth him and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?'--Mark ix. 19. There is a very evident, and, I think, intentional contrast between the two scenes, of the Transfiguration, and of this healing of the maniac boy. And in nothing is the contrast more marked than in the demeanour of these enfeebled and unbelieving Apostles, as contrasted with the rapture of devotion of the other three, and with the lowly submission and faith of Moses and Elias.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Omnipotence of Faith
Jesus said unto him, If them canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.'--Mark ix. 23. The necessity and power of faith is the prominent lesson of this narrative of the healing of a demoniac boy, especially as it is told by the Evangelist Mark, The lesson is enforced by the actions of all the persons in the group, except the central figure, Christ. The disciples could not cast out the demon, and incur Christ's plaintive rebuke, which is quite as much sorrow as blame: 'O faithless
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Unbelieving Belief
'And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.'--Mark ix. 24. We owe to Mark's Gospel the fullest account of the pathetic incident of the healing of the demoniac boy. He alone gives us this part of the conversation between our Lord and the afflicted child's father. The poor man had brought his child to the disciples, and found them unable to do anything with him. A torrent of appeal breaks from his lips as soon as the Lord gives
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Unanswered Question
'What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?'--Mark ix. 33. Was it not a strange time to squabble when they had just been told of His death? Note-- I. The variations of feeling common to the disciples and to us all: one moment 'exceeding sorrowful,' the next fighting for precedence. II. Christ's divine insight into His servants' faults. This question was put because He knew what the wrangle had been about. The disputants did not answer, but He knew without an answer, as His immediately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Salted with Fire
Every one shall be salted with fire.'--Mark ix. 49. Our Lord has just been uttering some of the most solemn words that ever came from His gracious lips. He has been enjoining the severest self-suppression, extending even to mutilation and excision of the eye, the hand, or the foot, that might cause us to stumble. He has been giving that sharp lesson on the ground of plain common sense and enlightened self-regard. It is better, obviously, to live maimed than to die whole. The man who elects to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Salt in Yourselves'
'Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.'--Mark ix. 50. In the context 'salt' is employed to express the preserving, purifying, divine energy which is otherwise spoken of as 'fire.' The two emblems produce the same result. They both salt--that is, they cleanse and keep. And if in the one we recognise the quick energy of the Divine Spirit as the central idea, no less are we to see the same typified under a slightly different aspect in the other. The fire transforms into its own substance
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'This is My Beloved Son: Hear Him'
'And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.'--Mark ix. 7. With regard to the first part of these words spoken at the Transfiguration, they open far too large and wonderful a subject for me to do more than just touch with the tip of my finger, as it were, in passing, because the utterance of the divine words, 'This is My beloved Son,' in all the depth of their meaning and loftiness, is laid as the foundation of the two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jesus Only!
'They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.'--Mark ix. 8. The Transfiguration was the solemn inauguration of Jesus for His sufferings and death. Moses, the founder, and Elijah, the restorer, of the Jewish polity, the great Lawgiver and the great Prophet, were present. The former had died and been mysteriously buried, the latter had been translated without 'seeing death.' So both are visitors from the unseen world, appearing to own that Jesus is the Lord of that dim land, and that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Transfiguration
'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. 3. And His raimemt became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5. 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,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Receiving and Forbidding
'And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34. But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35. 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. 36. 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, 37.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Ninth Scholars in Christ's School
"He taught His disciples." --MARK ix. 30-37. And my Lord will teach me. He will lead me into "the deep things" of God. There is only one school for this sort of learning, and an old saint called it the Academy of Love, and it meets in Gethsemane and Calvary, and the Lord Himself is the teacher, and there is room in the school for thee and me. But the disciples were not in the mood for learning. They were not ambitious for heavenly knowledge, but for carnal prizes, not for wisdom, but for place.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lenten Fast.
"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer."--ST. MARK ix. 29. You remember the narrative from which I have taken this verse. Jesus, as we read, had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, and when He was come to the multitude, a certain man besought him saying, "Have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic and sore vexed, and I brought him to Thy disciples, but they could not cure him." Then Jesus rebuked the devil, and the child was cured from that hour. Thereupon His disciples
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

The Child in the Midst.
"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."--ST. MARK ix. 36, 37. It is one of the characteristics of our time, one of its most hopeful and most encouraging signs, that men are awaking to higher and purer conceptions of the Christian life and what it is that constitutes such a life. We
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Of Hell
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Mark 9:48. 1. Every truth which is revealed in the oracles of God is undoubtedly of great importance. Yet it may be allowed that some of those which are revealed therein are of greater importance than others, as being more immediately conducive to the grand end of all, the eternal salvation of men. And we may judge of their importance even from this circumstance, -- that they are not mentioned once only in the sacred writings, but are repeated
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Caution against Bigotry
"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." Mark 9:38, 39. 1. In the preceding verses we read, that after the Twelve had been disputing "which of them should be the greatest," Jesus took a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, said unto them, "Whosoever shall receive one of these little children in My name, receiveth
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
In the text there are three things very clearly. Here is true faith; here is grievous unbelief; here is a battle between the two. I. Very clearly in the text there is TRUE FAITH. "Lord, I believe," says the anxious father. When our Lord tells him that, if he can believe, all things are possible to him, he makes no demur, asks for no pause, wishes to hear no more evidence, but cries at once, "Lord, I believe." Now, observe we have called this faith true faith, and we will prove it to have been so.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Child in the Midst.
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
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Absolute Surrender
"And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine. And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine and all that
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
AS certainly as we are here now, it is not long but we shall all be in another World, either in a World of Happiness, or else in a World of Misery, or if you will, either in Heaven or in Hell. For these are the two only places which all Mankind from the beginning of the World to the end of it, must live in for evermore, some in the one, some in the other, according to their carriage and behaviour here; and therefore it is worth the while to take a view and prospect now and then of both these places,
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Three Tabernacles
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. MARK ix. 5. Caught up in glory and in rapture, the Apostle seems to have forgotten the world from which he had ascended, and to which he still belonged, and to have craved permanent shelter and extatic communion within the mystic splendors that brightened the Mount of Transfiguration. But it was true, not only as to the confusion of his
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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