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Bible Pathways - October 16, 2005


October 16

 

Read Mark 8

In Today's Reading:

Feeding 4,000; leaven explained; healing of a blind man; Peter's confession of faith; Jesus' death and resurrection foretold; transfiguration; disciples unable to heal boy; dispute over who is greatest; the terrifying torments of eternal hell

Jesus and His disciples had been in the famous idol-worshiping town of Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27 — 9:1). It was here that Jesus asked His disciples . . . Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth . . . Thou art the Christ (Messiah) (8:27-29).

A short time later, Jesus invited the people to follow Him but with certain qualifications, saying: Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit (benefit) a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed (8:34-38).

It was in this same region that, six days later, Jesus and three of His disciples went up on a high mountain . . . and He was transfigured before them. . . . And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus (9:2-4). Moses and Elijah were now in the presence of their Messiah. At this momentous event, the two Old Testament prophets spoke with Jesus about His decease (dying) which He should accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared for the purpose of honoring Jesus prior to His suffering, death on the cross, and physical resurrection.

Peter made the mistake of suggesting to Jesus that they make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say (Mark 9:5-6). However, since Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God, He alone is worthy of our worship and obedience (Revelation 4:9-11). Nothing, or no one, can be made equal to Him as our Lord.

After Peter's three tabernacles suggestion, a Voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him (Mark 9:7).

Word Studies:

9:3 fuller = laundryman — one who bleaches, makes white, cleans; 9:12 be set at nought = be rejected; 9:13 listed = desired; 9:45 halt = lame or crippled.

Cross References:

For Mark 8:18: See Ezekiel 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Isaiah 66:24.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thomas & Mary Beaghen · Government Officials: Rep. Christopher Cox (CA) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) · Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: 120 indigenous languages · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery · Prayer Suggestion: When you are in desperate circumstances, turn to the Lord with fasting and prayer (II Chronicles 20:2-4).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:13



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