In Today's Scripture
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
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 to honor Jesus prior to His suffering, death on the cross, and physical resurrection.
Peter made the mistake of suggesting they make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist (knew) 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 replace or equal a personal communion with 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 =b> laundryman — one who bleaches, makes white, cleans; 9:12 be set at nought =b> be rejected; 9:13 listed =b> desired; 9:45 halt =b> 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 in memory of Roy S. Porter (Orient) · Staff: Barbara Bivens Government Officials: Rep. Christopher Cox (CA) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) Country: Panama (3 million) in southern Central America Major languages: Spanish and English Limited religious freedom 78% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant; 5% Muslim; .1% Eastern Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Psalm 8:1-9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:7