July 31 - Aug 6, 2022

Compiled by Dr. "Joey" Alan Le, Ph.D.

v4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Elijah reportedly never died; Moses was buried by God himself, and some Jewish traditions even claimed that Moses was still alive (Keener 1993, Mk 9:4). In Judaism at the time, they expected that a prophet like Moses would come at the end of time, and Elijah would appear at the dawning of the end-time. This transfiguration event would have declared to every Jew that the fulfillment of the history of Israel and every hope for the glorious end-time had already begun with Jesus (France 2009, 352-353). How do you imagine the world would change when Jesus returns?

These two figures foreshadow Jesus’ experience of rejection and suffering (1 Ki 19:14), as well as Jesus’ coming victory over death (France 2009, 352).

v5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Having seen Jesus in his glory, in the presence of Elijah and Moses, Peter could have given Jesus a more noble title than rabbi (“teacher”). But Peter has totally failed to grasp the significance of the transfiguration event (France 2009, 353-354). He underestimated, undersold, and expected too little of Jesus. Is there room for your faith to expand, and to see Jesus in a grander way?

Peter’s suggestion of erecting shelters on the mountain may allude to Israel’s tabernacles in the wilderness, recognizing God’s presence among the Israelites in Moses’ day (Keener 1993, Mk 9:5–6). How do you invite God to be present in your life?

v7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”

Yhwh appeared in a dense cloud on Sinai to encourage the Israelites to trust and follow Moses (Ex 19:9). Now, God appears in a cloud on this mountain to encourage these three disciples to trust and follow Jesus (France 2009, 354). What do you find builds trust between people? How have you discovered God to be trustworthy (or not trustworthy)?

Up until now, the disciples have experienced Jesus as a teacher and healer. But upon seeing his physical appearance change to a glorious form, they now see Jesus as more than a human teacher. Seeing Jesus alongside Moses and Elijah, they begin to see him as the long-awaited messiah. On top of that, a voice from the cloud (God), calls him “my Son.” All three factors mark a gigantic leap in the disciples’ vision of God’s plan for the world (France 2009, 348). In what “roles” have you experienced Jesus in your own life: e.g. as a teacher, a healer, a friend, a counselor, etc.?

Even though there is a language of royalty in 2 Sam 7:14 and Ps 2:7, nobody in Jesus’ time would have been prepared to understand that the messiah was also the son of God. The idea of Jesus as the beloved Son of God is an utterly new revelation (France 2009, 354). Couldn’t God have saved his people through another messenger, another prophet, another judge? What is the theological significance of the messiah being the Son of God?

v8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

The language suggests that the three disciples hid their faces while the voice spoke. Once it became quiet again, they looked up, and the scene had changed (France 2009, 355). There is something overwhelming and overpowering about the presence of God. The “glory” of God is weighty, heavy, and thick. Any time God appears (theophany) in the OT, human beings fall flat in fear. Compare the OT experience of God’s presence with today. When have you been in awe, speechless, and arrested by God’s presence? If not, what might be preventing you from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence?

The Healing of a Boy with a Spirit

v14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them.

The Greek sense here is that the scribes are engaging in hostile criticism of Jesus and his disciples. This is their pattern (see Mk 2:6, 16; 3:22; 7:1). The disciples’ failure has given them further grounds for skepticism. In what ways has the church failed, giving more fuel to skeptics about the credibility of the Christian faith?

v15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him.

Compare Mk 9:1-15 with Ex 24; 34. What parallels do you see between Jesus’ and Moses’ mountain ascent and descent? Since Jewish traditions interpreted Moses’ ascent of Sinai as an enthronement, the Transfiguration casts Jesus as a king (France 2009, 343).

v18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.”

Not all demon possession causes seizures, and not all seizures are caused by demons. There is a time and place for medicine, and for exorcism, and for both.

The evil spirit prevents the boy from speaking, from having control of his body, of living safely, of flourishing. Through domination, violence, and abuse, demons prevent people from thriving. How do you see the demonic infect individuals, communities, and societies today?

The disciples do fine when they are “with Jesus” (Mk 3:14; 5:18). But when Jesus is not present, like on the boat in the storm (Mk 6:46, 51), they do not do well. It seems that, at this point in the narrative, they are not yet ready for Jesus’ absence. This may be an encouragement for Mark’s contemporary readers, encouraging them that they have the presence and authority of Jesus even though he has already ascended into heaven (Twelftree 1999, 88-89). On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being far, and 10 being close, how near do you feel Jesus’ presence in your everyday life? How does Jesus’ absence or presence affect your day-to-day activities?

The father says that the nine disciples (who did not witness the Transfiguration) did could not cast out the spirit. The Greek word carries the idea of a self-generated or innate strength. The disciples did not possess the inner strength to perform the exorcism. This, of course, is absolutely true. The disciples do not possess such strength or ability; it is completely derived from Jesus (Twelftree 1999, 86). What sorts of tasks has God given us the power/ability to do, and what tasks are we to depend on God for?

v19 He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.”

Who is “them”? Is Jesus speaking to the father, the disciples, the crowd, the scribes, or just humanity in general?

Mark is showing again (see Mk 3:15; 6:7, 13) that Jesus assumes that the miracles are not limited to just Jesus performing them. The disciples are supposed to successfully repeat Jesus’ miracles (Twelftree 1999, 86). What miracles have you seen God do, through you or through someone you know personally? If you have not experienced miracles, ask yourself why not?

v22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.”

In Mk 1:40 the leper was not sure Jesus was willing to help. Here, the father was unsure that Jesus was able to help (especially after seeing his disciples fail) (France 2009, 366). When God does not answer your prayer, does your mind go to doubting God’s willingness, or God’s ability? What do you do when God does not answer your prayers?

v23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.”

This sounds like a blank check. But, we all know of times when our prayers/faith don’t get answered. It might make us doubt our convictions. But don’t focus on that here. The point of this story is solely on the power of Jesus. No force, no demon is too much for God to handle. We can bank on that truth, even if we do not see our prayers answered immediately (France 2009, 368). Given that God is able to do all things for us, what reasons does God have for not doing what we ask of him?

v24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Although people are, of themselves, capable of responding to Jesus in trust (Mk 1:15; 11:24), sometimes, their faith needs an extra boost (Twelftree 1999, 86). If you feel this way, pray this man’s prayer for yourself.

v25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”

Exorcists usually tried to subdue demons by incantations invoking higher spirits, by using smelly roots or by pain-compliance techniques. Jesus here uses only his command, showing his great authority (Keener 1993, Mk 9:23–27). What is the difference between anointing in oil and praying in Jesus’ name, and the use of magic, witchcraft, or sorcery?

v27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.

How might injustice and the demonic cooperate? Is it possible to view exorcism as an act of justice, too? Jesus’ liberative work involves doing something about the force/power that keeps the person dominated/oppressed. It is unjust, life-draining, and destructive. Christ’s justice is the removal of that destructive factor. And when the evil spirit is gone, then the person is safe, ready to heal and be restored. Jesus takes him by the hand, touches him, has physical contact with him. And he lifts them up. This is a foreshadowing of the ‘resurrection’ of Jesus ever-renewing life. But it is also the perfect image of what God’s justice does for people...he lifts them so they can stand again. Evil and injustice undercuts people, take away their foundation, suppresses them. Love and justice enable people to stand again.

v28 When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

The three disciples just witnessed Jesus’ glorious transfiguration on the mountain. Immediately afterward, they struggle and fail to help an epileptic boy. Hissing opponents and disgruntled crowds surround them. This is a stark contrast to the mountaintop experience. Failure, disappointment, and rejection will be common experiences for Jesus’ disciples in the valley where the shadow of death hovers over us. But we cannot forget Jesus’ promise of glory afterward (Garland 1996, 349). In what areas of your life do you experience failure and disappointment, even though you’ve been trying your best? What do you tell yourself not to give up? Why do you think God allows people to experience hardship, even though he is all-good, all-powerful, and all-wise?

v29 He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.”

Instead of telling the disciples to pursue more power, he instructs them to pray more (Keener 1993, Mk 9:28-30). Jesus’ words imply that the disciples had not prayed enough. And if one includes the textual variant of “prayer and fasting,” it becomes evident that prayer should be a regular practice instead of an emergency call for help. Ultimately, this humiliation teaches the disciples this lesson: their power is not inherent or automatic. They (and we) must depend on Jesus’ authority (France 2009, 370). How regular is your prayer? Is your prayer life strong and vibrant enough to withstand the next spiritual conflict?

Make a list of people you care about who need healing, hope, or salvation. Commit to praying for each person by name each day this week (Coleman 2019, 1613).

Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection

v31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.”

Jesus wanted to pass through Galilee incognito because he prioritized teaching his disciples over doing public ministry. Leaders need to understand what their mission is. How do you and your family balance the need for private instruction and public service? Is there an imbalance where you spend too much time learning and not enough time doing, or vice versa?

v32 But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Jews in Jesus’ time did not expect the Messiah to suffer. It was not part of their religious, cultural, or political imagination. Jesus was trying to shift their paradigm. What parts of American Christianity are compatible/incompatible with the Jesus we observe in the Gospel of Mark?

The disciples are not usually reluctant to ask Jesus to explain difficult sayings (Mk 4:10; 7:17; 9:11, 28; 10:10; 13:3). But this time, they are afraid to ask. Maybe it is because they know they would not like the answer, especially seeing how Jesus responded to Peter (Mk 8:33). They understand enough to be afraid to ask to understand more (France 2009, 372). Have you ever been in a situation where you would rather remain ignorant than hear the hard truth that God might call you to hardship, suffering, loss, and rejection? How do you get over it?

Who is the Greatest

v33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”

The disciples are reluctant to question Jesus, so he questions them. He challenges them, not because he is unaware of what is happening. He knew what they were talking about (whether supernaturally or overhearing). He challenges them to bring into the open a debate that they know he would disapprove of. Hence, their silence. It’s hilarious that these men act like guilty schoolboys. Ironically, he teaches these misbehaving, ignorant children by bringing forward an object lesson with a child (France 2009, 373). What things do you fixate on that you suspect Jesus would disapprove of?

v34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.

Jesus’ thoughts are moving towards martyrdom, rejection, and death. The disciples’ thoughts are moving towards victory and flourishing ministry, so new leadership will need to be decided. The disciples are on a completely different line of thought from Jesus (France 2009, 373). Greatness and influence are powerful temptations. Why are God’s ways so different from our own? Why does the kingdom of God look like suffering love rather than military might? Does your Christian faith align with the former or latter?

v35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”

Compare and contrast greatness according to God and according to the world. The values of the Kingdom of God are so radically different from the values of human society that it needs serious and constant repetition. The Kingdom of God is characterized by lowliness/lastliness and service. There is no place for talk about greatness (France 2009, 373).

What does being “last of all and servant of all” practically look like in your everyday work, family, and social life?

v36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

In Mark, Jesus’ presentation of the child is not a reference to ‘child-like qualities,’ like innocence or trust. Instead, it is about status. Children in that society were in the lowest order on the social scale. They were insignificant, unimportant. Jesus is not instructing his disciples to become like little children. Here, Jesus teaches the disciples to treat this unimportant person with great importance. Let go of your aims for status and greatness, and embrace and welcome the lowest person, the little one, the least (France 2009, 373). Who are “the least,” the lowly in your sphere that God might be leading you to welcome and care for? What is the significance of Jesus identifying himself with the child, the lowly, and the vulnerable?

Temptations to Sin

How would you define “sin” for someone unfamiliar with Christian teaching?

v42 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea.

The word “stumble” (skandalizo) refers to one who causes others to fail, who ‘trips’ or ‘disables’ another’s discipleship. They ‘cause the downfall.’ Jesus cares intensely about these little disciples, so much that even if one of them is tripped up, it is a capital offense. This displays how serious an offense it is to cause another person’s shipwreck (France 2009, 380). Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart, to see how your attitude or actions might have caused others to stumble on their walk towards Christ.

v43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go into the Vale of Hinnom, into the inextinguishable fire.

In the previous verse, Jesus warns the audience about tripping up a faithful disciple. In this verse, he warns the disciples about tripping themselves up. Even the disciples are not immune from apostasy. They must examine themselves and determine how their assumptions and behaviors entrap themselves (France 2009, 383). What personal habits cause you to stumble? Would you be willing to receive prayer and accountability for it?

Jesus used wild and imaginative poetic language to employ the same methods as the biblical prophets. He denounced the rich and powerful, who ignored and abused the weak, poor, and sick. Jesus was somewhat limited by the vocabulary and repertoire of his time, so he used images that his fellow Jews were familiar with. These verses condemn the unjust/wicked of his time for causing others to fall and to stay fallen and give hope to the poor and oppressed (Hart 2019, 119-12). Do Jesus’ warnings motivate you not to cause others or yourself to stumble?