Probably because they realized how ludicrous that conversation was, and that it served no purpose in advancing the kingdom. This passage (mark 9:33-34) put the disciples on a human level for me, reminding me that I am just as accountable to the Gospel and to Christ as they are.
Can you imagine if after you sinned, Jesus, who is all knowing, asked you what you had just done? That leaves the type of dryness in my mouth that required a big, nervous gulp to relieve.
The question that was asked of me was “Why did Jesus wait to ask the disciples what they were talking about rather than interrupting them while they were arguing?”
This question is apart of a Bible study I’m doing, and I’ve been wrestling with the answer to this question for the last two days. Here is what I think might be the answer:
As humans, our quickest natural reaction to sin is to cover it up. In the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sin, they grab fig leaves to cover up, displaying their loss of innocence and realization of guilt. It is ridiculous to think the fig leaves could hide them from God. It is apart of our DNA to cover up sin. But that is not what God wants. He wants honesty. When we cover up, we lie. The longer we lie, the harder it is to come clean.
But the Bible study offered hope after this through Luke 12:2, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” God will be our help to uproot our sin. Our deep-heart lies that we have been trying to hide for years, because after repentance comes freedom. The freedom from sin that only Christ can give.
