Mark 9:36

In the time of Jesus, people did not view children as especially innocent or pure. Instead, they saw them as weak and of low status. Jesus said that people should receive a child in his name (that is, as his representative).

Welcoming a child shows humility. It means choosing a low place and serving others (9:35; see also 10:13–16). Other teachings of Jesus show that how people receive or reject his followers is the same as how they receive or reject him (Matthew 10:40; 25:31–46; Luke 10:16; John 13:20).

The disciples did not understand the prediction Jesus made about his suffering. Because of this, they could not see what it meant for their own lives.

This section is the second cycle (see study note on 8:27–9:1) containing:

• a prediction about the suffering of Jesus (9:30–32),

• an error by the disciples (9:33–34), and

• teaching about discipleship (9:35–10:31).