SCRIPTURE: MARK 9
THE TRANSFIGURATION (vs. 1-13)
After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white with the appearing of Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love, Listen to him!” (v. 7). When they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. Then Jesus told them to keep the matter to themselves until he had risen from the death.
THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT (vs. 14-34)
There was a large crowd of people with the teachers of the law arguing with His other disciples. When they saw Jesus, they ran to greet him. A man approached Jesus and told him “I brought my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (v. 17-18). Jesus told him to bring the boy to him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. He had this since his childhood. Jesus said: “Everything is possible for him who believes” (v. 23) The boy’s father immediately replied: “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (v. 24). Jesus then rebuked the evil spirit: “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (v. 25). The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked like a corpse that many believed he is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him why they could not drive the evil spirit out. Jesus replied: “This kind can come out only by prayer” (v. 29)
WHO IS THE GREATEST? (vs 33-37)
While on their way to Capernaum, the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. When they were in the house, Jesus asked them: “What were you arguing about on the road?” (v. 33). Then Jesus taught them: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (v. 35). Then He took a little child in his arms and said: “Whoever welcomes one these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (v. 37)
WHOEVER IS NOT AGAINST US IS FOR US (vs. 38-41)
John saw a man who was not one of them driving out demons in Jesus name. And he told him to stop. Jesus answered: “Do not stop him. No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me. For whoever is not against is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. (v. 40-41)
CAUSING TO SIN (vs. 42-50)
Other teachings of Jesus:
- “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around neck. (v. 42)
- “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. (v. 43-44)
- “If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. (v. 45-46)
- “If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” (v. 47-48)
- “Everyone will be salted with fire” (v. 49)
- “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (v. 50)
THOUGHTS:
The Transfiguration had the appearance of Moses, Elijah and Jesus. Moses represented the Law, Elijah the Prophet and Jesus the Messiah. Their appearance showed Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Old Testament law and the Prophetic promises.
It was difficult for the disciples to accept the idea that their Messiah would have to suffer death. The Jews expected Messiah to be a great King who would overthrow their enemy Rome. They could not understand that the value of God’s eternal kingdom is different from the values of the world. They hoped to be freed from their present problems. But deliverance from sin is more important than the physical suffering or political oppression. Our understanding and appreciation of Jesus must go beyond what he can do for us here and now.
Jesus said that Everything is possible to him who believes because nothing is too difficult for God. We may not have everything we pray for but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve Him.
The disciples were not able to cast out the evil spirit because perhaps they lack faith. When the disciples asked Jesus why they were able to drive out the evil spirit, Jesus said this kind can come out only by prayer. The battle with Satan is a difficult on going struggle. Victory over sin and temptation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. And prayer is the key to keep faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs complete dependence and continual asking. It demonstrates our reliance on God to fill us with faith and power. Impossible circumstances can only be materialized through prayer.
When the disciples were arguing who is the greatest, Jesus said that anyone who is the last and the servant of all is the greatest.
Jesus taught the disciples to welcome children. We have to treat the children well and teach them about Jesus. Children ministries should not be regarded as less important than for adults.
Whoever is not against us is for us. Jesus was pointing out that his followers will not all resemble each other or belong to the same group. People who are on Jesus side with the goal of building up the Kingdom of God and sharing a common faith should not let their differences hinder their goal. They should cooperate with each other in advancing His kingdom.
Jesus warns us not to cause others to sin. He is teaching us that our thoughts and actions must be motivated by love. Self-discipline is required as true followers of Christ. We must remove sin from our lives now in order to avoid suffering from eternity.
Jesus used the word “worm” and “fire” to describe the serious and eternal consequences of sin. Worms and fire present both internal and external pain.