Space is Not Always Good: Mark 9:33-34
If we want to be godly people, proximity to God is a necessity. I love this thought in connection with the idea of praying without ceasing. The more we are consciously aware of the presence of God and thus are in relationship to Him, the greater our chance to be godly. Being close to God allows us to be people after His own heart.
Jesus and His disciples come to Capernaum. Jesus asks His disciples what they were discussing along the way. Looking past the fact that Jesus is God and already knows the answer, the fact that Jesus asks the question implies He wasn’t part of the conversation. The disciples had a conversation without including Jesus.
Review the whole scene set through the last few episodes, starting with the transfiguration where Jesus pulled Peter, James, and John apart from the rest of the group. While Jesus’ inner cadre experienced an incredible moment – not without human error, remember – the remaining disciples had trouble casting out an evil spirit. When Jesus returns, Jesus casts out the spirit and demonstrates the disciples have room to grow. After that lesson, Jesus teaches about His coming death and resurrection. The disciples don’t understand and are once more afraid to show their lack of understanding God’s ways.
In response, the disciples pulled away from Jesus. Perhaps there was embarrassment at their collective inability. Perhaps they felt chastised by Jesus and needed to withdraw to think. Perhaps they needed time to ponder what Jesus taught them about the coming trials. Whatever the reason, the disciples separate themselves from Jesus.
Jesus inquires what they were discussing without Him. It turns out that the disciples discussed who among them was the greatest. They sound like they needed time to lick their wounds. Having experienced some setbacks and hard teaching, they sought solace and tried to feel good about themselves. They argue amongst each other about who is the greatest person. Rather than focus on the growth their recent experiences exposed, they focus on the qualities they already have. Rather than understand the lesson, they miss the boat entirely.
This conversation only happens because the disciples put distance between them and Jesus. Had Jesus been among them for the conversation, the disciples know Jesus would have put a stop to it and taught them something. It’s hard to say how Jesus would have replied, but He certainly would have had a comment. Knowing Jesus would not approve of the conversation, the disciples create distance from Him.
Mark delivers a blatantly obvious lesson in an exceptionally subtle manner. The further we get from God, the easier it is to sin. The further we get from God, the easier it is to do our own thing. The further we get from God, the more relevant our thoughts become and the easier it is to shut out what God wants for us. If we want to be godly people, proximity to God is a necessity.
