Mark 9:36-37 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 9:36

Christ and the child: a sermon to children. The disciples of Jesus had been disputing amongst themselves which of them should be the greatest in his kingdom. Though they were ashamed to confess this, Jesus knew all about it; for he overhears even whispered and secret conversations, He rebuked their ambition by calling a little child to him, who was glad enough to come to One so loving; and taking him up in his arms, he bade his disciples become childlike, not caring for money and high... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me . Whosoever shall "receive;" that is, show him offices of kindness and charity. One of such little children; that is, such in simplicity, in innocence and humility, such as this little child is in age and stature. In my Name, that is, with special regard to my Name. He thus seems to link all that is good and beautiful with his Name; as all that is really good and excellent in man is a reflection of his goodness.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 9:33-37

See the notes at Matthew 18:1-5. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 9:33-37

Mark 9:33-37. Being in the house With his apostles, with a view to introduce the discourse he intended; he asked, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves, &c. Our Lord’s late prediction concerning his sufferings had made the disciples exceeding sorry, Matthew 17:23; but their grief soon went off, or their ignorance quickly got the better of it; for in a day or two after, some of them, forming a separate company, fell a disputing about the chief posts of honour and profit in... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Mark 9:30-50

78. Lessons in humility (Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:44-50)Despite Jesus’ statement to his disciples that he was heading towards humiliating suffering and death (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45), they were arguing among themselves about who would have the important places in his kingdom. Jesus rebuked them, explaining that the way to spiritual greatness is through choosing the lowest place and serving others. To enter the kingdom of God, people must... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Mark 9:36

when He had taken him in His arms . This is all one verb (enankalisamenos), and Occurs only here. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Mark 9:37

in. Greek. epi. App-104 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Mark 9:36

And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.This was an acted parable teaching the same lesson which the Lord stated verbally in Matthew 18:4-6. True greatness is not a matter of position and power but in the child-like qualities of innocence, trustfulness, humility, lack of prejudice,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Mark 9:36

36. And he took a child—"a little child" (Matthew 18:2); but the word is the same in both places, as also in Matthew 18:2- :. and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms—This beautiful trait is mentioned by out Evangelist alone. he said unto them—Here we must go to Matthew (Matthew 18:3; Matthew 18:4) for the first of this answer: "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven:" that is,... read more