📅 February 13: Mark 9 - Steps to True Greatness

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February 13: Mark 9 - Steps to True Greatness

Bridging The Natural And The Supernatural

Introduction

In Mark 9, we see Jesus’ transfiguration, a momentous event that further confirms His divine identity. Following this, He teaches on true greatness, driving out demons, and cautions against causing others to stumble.

The Transfiguration

Jesus’ transfiguration signified a divine affirmation of Jesus’ mission. Peter, James, and John witnessed the glory of Christ firsthand and heard God’s voice confirming Jesus as His beloved Son.

Key Verse: Mark 9:7 “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”

Teaching on True Greatness

Jesus overturns worldly ideas about power and prestige by stating that greatness in His kingdom comes from being like a little child - humble, trusting, and receptive.

Key Verse: Mark 9:35 “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all.”

Key Themes and Reflections

1. The Supernatural in the Natural:

The transfiguration displays God’s glory breaking into the everyday, reminding us that spiritual realities permeate our natural world.

2. Humility and Service:

Contrary to popular belief, greatness in the Kingdom of God isn’t about power or influence but about humility and selfless service.

Today’s Application

In our pursuit of success, we can seek to model the humility and servitude that Jesus taught as the path to true greatness.

Hidden Gem

Did you know that Moses and Elijah appeared during the Transfiguration? These figures represent the Law and the Prophets, both affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Reflective Q&A

Why is the transfiguration event significant?

A: It highlights the unity of the Old and New Testaments, and affirms Jesus as God’s Son, fulfilling Messianic prophecies.

What does Jesus’ teaching on true greatness mean to you?

A: This speaks to the importance of servant leadership and values humility over personal ambition.

How does this chapter impact your view of greatness?

A: It prompts a re-evaluation of how we measure success and invites us to adopt a Christlike attitude in our interactions.

Join the Discussion

How have these insights from Mark 9 influenced your understanding about success and greatness? We invite you to share your thoughts with the community.

See You Tomorrow in Mark 10!

Prepare to delve into Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, His interaction with a rich young man, and more about the road to true greatness.

Remember, greatness in the Kingdom of God isn’t about our accomplishments, but about our attitudes and actions towards others. Let’s strive to be humble servants, following Christ’s footsteps towards true greatness.

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Mark 9
This chapter is full of drama, excitement, enthusiasm and true character. It sets out [1] The Transfiguration and Vision of Glory: vv. 1-9. [2] Discussion on Elijah: vv. 10-13. [3] The Power of Faith: The Demoniac Boy: vv. 14-29. [4] The secret return through Capernaum: vv. 30-31. [5] Who is the Greatest? A Lesson in Humility: vv. 32-37. [6] John tries to justify himself: vv. 38-41. [7] The need to exercise care to others: vv. 42-48. [8] Need to exercise care to themselves: vv. 49-50. It opens with the Lord’s declaration that the vision of glory would be experienced by some of his disciples before they should see death; that vision was revealed in vv. 2-10 as it records the transfiguration of the Lord Yahshua; then in vv. 11-13 there are questions over Elijah. In vv. 14-29 the healing of the Lunatic. In vv. 30-32 Yahshua foretells of his death and resurrection. In vv. 33-50 the teaching of the importance of humility is given. Thus the chapter reveals the tremendous activity and dramatic teachings of the Master. In v. 2 Yahshua selected Peter, James and John to go with him, and the experience they had was not to be spoken of until his resurrection. The people were not yet prepared for that great truth, but it would be revealed in the facts of the sacrifice and resurrection of the Master. Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets (Isa. 8:20). So overwhelmed were they at this sight that Peter wanted to make tabernacles/dwelling places for them, somewhere for them to stay! and at this “they were frightened out of their wits” (Thayer’s). Compare the words of Moses in Exo. 19:19 and Heb. 12:21. Having witnessed this, they also heard the voice of Yahweh which endorsed and encouraged them… “Hear ye him.” 1John 5:7-9 records that ‘there are three that bare record, the Spirit, the Water and the Blood and these three agree in one’ and in v. 9, “If we receive the witness of MEN [Peter James and John], the witness of God is greater.” Afterwards, coming down from the mount in the shadow of what they had seen, it was a natural question to ask regarding Elijah (vv. 11-13). In vv. 14-29 what a tremendous change, from the mountain heights of glory now to a vale of tears following the question of the Lord regarding the dumb child, smitten with epilepsy. But no one answered him: the scribes for fear, and the disciples with shame at their lack of ‘useable’ faith. Because of this the Master now tells the disciples of his forthcoming death and resurrection, but they did not understand and were afraid to ask him (v. 32), but merely recalled the words he had just spoken (v. 19). The chapter takes us through aspects of humility, to become as a little child and to grow in consideration for others (1Pet. 5:5-7). Finally, the question of discipleship is outlined (vv. 38-50), and an exhortation to faithful and diligent service. It has been noted that there is a similarity between Mark 9 and Exodus 24; one dealing with the covenant under the Law (Exodus) and the other dealing with the coming Kingdom in fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets; the first temporary, the latter permanent. Moses took Aaron, Nadab and Abihu with seventy elders with him; the Master took Peter, James and John, with the 70 disciples sent out to do the work of the Gospel. — Logos.