But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples' silence wasn't just awkward; it was a stark confession. They were so caught up in their ambition for status and power, even after hearing Jesus speak of his coming death, that they were blind to the true nature of his kingdom and deaf to his profound words. Their internal argument about who was "greatest" overshadowed the weighty truths Jesus was trying to impart, revealing a deep misunderstanding of true leadership.
But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, the disciples had failed to cast out a demon, and Jesus, after healing the boy, privately rebuked them for their lack of faith and pointed them toward prayer. As they traveled, Jesus again tried to prepare them for his coming suffering and death, but they couldn't grasp it and were afraid to ask him about it, revealing a deep disconnect in their understanding. This verse shows their subsequent conversation, where, instead of pondering Jesus' difficult words, they devolved into arguing amongst themselves about who among them was the most important.
Ever feel the sting of jealousy or the urge to outshine others, even when things seem serious?
Right after Jesus spoke about His upcoming death and resurrection – a message that should have filled them with awe and sorrow – the disciples were caught in a heated debate. Instead of pondering His sacrifice, they were arguing about who was the 'greatest.' This shows how earthly ambition can blind us to spiritual realities, even when Jesus is speaking truth. Their silence when Jesus asked what they were discussing wasn't just embarrassment; it was the shame of realizing their desire for personal glory clashed with the profound reality of Christ's suffering.
Think about it: Jesus was facing betrayal, suffering, and death, and the disciples were vying for prime positions in a kingdom they misunderstood. This highlights a dangerous trap: when we focus on climbing the ladder, we can miss the crucial messages God is sending us, especially the call to humility and service.
What if the path to greatness in God's eyes is the exact opposite of what the world teaches?
Jesus turns the world's idea of greatness completely upside down. He tells them, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' This isn't just a nice saying; it's the core principle of His kingdom.
He then illustrates this by taking a child and placing him in their midst. Children, in that culture, were often seen as insignificant and powerless. By embracing a child in His name, Jesus shows that true greatness is found in receiving and serving those whom society overlooks. It's a radical concept: the highest honor comes not from being served, but from serving others, especially the vulnerable and the least.
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This model of leadership is counter-cultural. It’s about power through humility, influence through service, and significance through selfless love. It’s the exact opposite of the 'who's the greatest' debate.
The disciples' argument about greatness happened immediately after Jesus began revealing the painful reality of his upcoming death, highlighting their struggle to reconcile earthly ambition with his sacrificial mission.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry in Galilee
Jesus and his disciples traveled throughout Galilee, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period saw growing crowds, but also increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Transfiguration and Healing Attempt
Shortly before this event, Jesus was transfigured on a mountain with Peter, James, and John. Afterward, they encountered the other disciples who had failed to heal a boy possessed by a demon.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Death
After the healing failure, Jesus began to teach his disciples more directly about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection, though they struggled to grasp his words.
c. AD 30— this verse
Disciples' Dispute on the Road
While traveling, the disciples engaged in a heated argument about who among them was the greatest, likely fueled by Jesus' recent predictions and their own ambitions.
c. AD 30
Jesus Teaches Humility and Service
Upon arriving at a house, Jesus confronted the disciples about their argument and taught them a radical lesson: true greatness in God's kingdom comes through humility and serving others, illustrated by a child.
c. AD 30
Journey Toward Jerusalem
This event occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a period marked by intensified teaching about his mission and the disciples' persistent struggles to understand his path.
This passage directly parallels the disciples' argument about greatness, with Jesus using a child to teach them humility as the true measure of importance in His kingdom.
Luke 9:46-48Luke provides another account of the disciples debating who was greatest immediately after Jesus' teaching on humility, highlighting their persistent struggle with pride.
Philippians 2:3-4This passage echoes Jesus' teaching by urging believers to consider others as more important than themselves, a direct antidote to the disciples' competitive spirit.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29Paul reminds the Corinthians that God often chooses the seemingly insignificant to shame the wise and strong, a principle that contrasts sharply with the disciples' desire for worldly status.
expositorsMark 9:28-37: "And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?"
CHAPTER 9:28-37 (Mark 9:28-37)JESUS AND THE DISCIPLES "And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, saying, We could not cast it out. And He said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. And they went forth from thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know it. For He taught His disciples, and said…
ellicottMark 9:34: "But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest."
(34) Who should be the greatest. —Better, more simply, who was the greatest.
The disciples' silence wasn't just awkward; it was a stark confession. They were so caught up in their ambition for status and power, even after hearing Jesus speak of his coming death, that they were blind to the true nature of his kingdom and deaf to his profound words. Their internal argument about who was "greatest" overshadowed the weighty truths Jesus was trying to impart, revealing a deep misunderstanding of true leadership.
Just before this, the disciples had failed to cast out a demon, and Jesus, after healing the boy, privately rebuked them for their lack of faith and pointed them toward prayer. As they traveled, Jesus again tried to prepare them for his coming suffering and death, but they couldn't grasp it and were afraid to ask him about it, revealing a deep disconnect in their understanding. This verse shows their subsequent conversation, where, instead of pondering Jesus' difficult words, they devolved into arguing amongst themselves about who among them was the most important.
Just before this, the disciples had failed to cast out a demon, and Jesus, after healing the boy, privately rebuked them for their lack of faith and pointed them toward prayer. As they traveled, Jesus again tried to prepare them for his coming suffering and death, but they couldn't grasp it and were afraid to ask him about it, revealing a deep disconnect in their understanding. This verse shows their subsequent conversation, where, instead of pondering Jesus' difficult words, they devolved into arguing amongst themselves about who among them was the most important.
"But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest." — The disciples' silence wasn't just awkward; it was a stark confession. They were so caught up in their ambition for status and power, even after hearing Jesus speak of his coming death, that they wer…
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Last reviewed October 2026