This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Mark 9:33-37, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum. When they got to the house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you talking about on the way here?” But the disciples didn’t answer because they had been arguing with each other about who was the greatest.
So, Jesus sat down and called all twelve of his disciples together. He said to them, “If anyone wants to be the first, he must be last of all and serve everyone.”
Then Jesus picked up a child and held him in his arms. He said to the disciples, “When you welcome a child in my name, you welcome me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me, but also the one who sent me.”
Biblical Lessons
- Humility is important to God. We should not think too highly of ourselves.
- Serving others is important to God. We should always be willing to help others.
- Children are important to God. We should love and care for them just as we would for anyone else.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon