30 From there they went out and began to go through Galilee , and He did not want anyone to know about it. 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, " The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men , and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed , He will rise three days later ." 32 But they did not understand this statement , and they were afraid to ask Him.
33 They came to Capernaum ; and when He was in the house , He began to question them, "What were you discussing on the way ?" 34 But they kept silent , for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest . 35 Sitting down , He called the twelve and said to them, " If anyone wants to be first , he shall be last of all and servant of all ." 36 Taking a child , He set him before e them, and taking him in His arms , He said to them, 37 " Whoever e receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever e receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."
38 John said to Him, "Teacher , we saw someone casting out demons in Your name , and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us." 39 But Jesus said , "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name , and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 " For he who is not against us is for us.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 9:30-40
Commentary on Mark 9:30-40
(Read Mark 9:30-40)
The time of Christ's suffering drew nigh. Had he been delivered into the hands of devils, and they had done this, it had not been so strange; but that men should thus shamefully treat the Son of man, who came to redeem and save them, is wonderful. Still observe that when Christ spake of his death, he always spake of his resurrection, which took the reproach of it from himself, and should have taken the grief of it from his disciples. Many remain ignorant because they are ashamed to inquire. Alas! that while the Saviour teaches so plainly the things which belong to his love and grace, men are so blinded that they understand not his sayings. We shall be called to account about our discourses, and to account for our disputes, especially about being greater than others. Those who are most humble and self-denying, most resemble Christ, and shall be most tenderly owned by him. This Jesus taught them by a sign; whoever shall receive one like this child, receives me. Many have been like the disciples, ready to silence men who have success in preaching to sinners repentance in Christ's name, because they follow not with them. Our Lord blamed the apostles, reminding them that he who wrought miracles in his name would not be likely to hurt his cause. If sinners are brought to repent, to believe in the Saviour, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives, we then see that the Lord works by the preacher.