Mark 9

Subtly but undeniably, Jesus’ ministry is turning a corner. While He still shows His power, He is refering more and more to His coming death and resurrection. Mark 9 records the supreme exhibition of Jesus’ divinity in His transfiguration. Here He is displayed in His glory – but why did He do it? Clues to an answer come in three events which followed it.

The Transfiguration (1-8) 
 
 The Trip Down the Mountain (9-13) 
 
 Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy (14-29) 
 
  Discussion on the Way to Capernaum (30-50) 
 
 “All things are possible to him who believes.”
Jesus, Mark 9:23
“I do believe; help my unbelief.”
Boy’s father, Mark 9:24 

For Further Study

1. Reflect on the Transfiguration (1-8). Taking Jesus’ words in v.1 as a signal, what future role for Himself was He revealing to them at this time? What is the significance of Elijah being there (see Mal. 4:5)? What would the three disciples think as they saw Jesus this way? How does Peter’s suggestion reveal that he still did not fully grasp the unique significance of Jesus (v5)?

2. Coming down the mountain, Jesus again refers to His coming death, which prompts a question from the disciples. Why did they ask about Elijah (see Mal. 4:5). Who does Jesus identify Elijah as (see the parallel account in Matt. 17:9-13), and what does this portend for Jesus’ own future?

3. Jesus’ disciples could not heal the demon-possessed boy (14-29). Why not? What did Jesus point to as the problem in v19? When the disciples ask why they failed, what did Jesus say in v29? Contrast this with the exchange between Jesus and the boy’s father in vv.23-24. What does the boy’s father exhibit?

4. We tend to be hard on the disciples for not understanding that Jesus had to die (30-32) and continuing to be consumed with who was greatest among them (33-34) and trying to prevent others from sharing their exclusive intimate relationship with Jesus (38-41). Do we still misunderstand what following Jesus entails today? Are we still consumed with who is the best? Do we ever demean others (perhaps of another denomination)? If so…how might Jesus’ words in vv35-37 apply to us?

5. Mark 9:42-48 is often viewed as meaning that someone who “stumbles” (sins) with their hands, feet, or eye will go to hell, but if we cut off hands or feet, or pluck out our eyes, we’ll be saved. But what saves us (Eph.2:8-9)? This is the language of hyperbole: Jesus isn’t telling people to maim themselves, but to see how serious sin is, and realize that the cure for sin is costly. What (or Who) is the cure for sin (2 Cor. 5:21)?!

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