The
Final Trip To
– Mark Nine
Mark nine gives insight into the time of the coming of the Lord's
kingdom. Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, That
there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till
they have seen the
When Jesus came down from the mountain He was confronted with a boy
that His disciples had been unable to help. Jesus said, "This kind can come
forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."
As Jesus continued on through Galilee He taught His disciples about his
suffering, death and resurrection. (Mark 9:30-32) He also taught them that the
meaning of true greatness was leaning to serve. (Mark 9:33-37)
Jesus discussed a point raised by John concerning
one casting out demons that was not with the apostles. The person under consideration was not a false teacher; instead he was
someone that was serving Christ faithfully. (Mark 9:38-40) He also gave a series
of warnings against those so foolish as to
give in to temptation
and to lead others astray.
The mountain top experience -- Mark 9:1-13: Mark
wrote a prediction of the certain and soon coming of the Lord's kingdom. The
kingdom was to come during the lifetime of some of those that heard Jesus
speak. His kingdom is the blood purchased
Jesus was again proven to be the son of God as Peter, James and
John saw Him transfigured with Moses and Elijah. During the transfiguration
Jesus' garments became white and shinning. The apostles were overcome with fear
and did not know what to say. Peter suggested building three tabernacles or
tents, one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. In addition to seeing
Moses, the great Law giver and Elijah, the great prophet they heard the voice
of God say of Jesus, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." As they came
down from the mountain, he charged them that they should "tell no man what
things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen
from the dead." (Mark 9:9) The Lord had appointed a certain time as to
when the gospel should be preached. As they came from the mountain Jesus gave a
more complete explanation of His resurrection from the dead. He also spoke of
the work of John the Baptist that had been called that "Elijah" that
was to come.
What does belief look like? -- Mark
When our children
or others are hurting we should bring them to Jesus. As the boy was brought to
Jesus the evil spirit again attacked him. He fell on the ground wallowing and
foaming at the mouth. The father of the child asked Jesus that if He could help
to have compassion and to help his son. The good news is that Jesus can help
and He did help. Jesus knew that He could help but He wanted the man to believe
that He could help. Jesus said to the father of the boy, "If thou canst
believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." The father
expressed belief but asked Jesus to help him have even more faith. As the demon
saw what was happening he tore the young man even more leaving him as if dead.
The other disciples were not able to cast him out because of a lack of prayer and
fasting.
Being the greatest in the kingdom -- Mark
9:30-35: Jesus again taught His disciples that, "The Son of man is
delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is
killed, he shall rise the third day." (Mark
Jesus knew that the disciples had
been talking among themselves as to who was greatest in the kingdom. He
explained that humility is what exalts. He that is greatest is the person that
serves the others most. Jesus used a little child to explain both the attitude
and the service that must be rendered. Those that serve a little child are
serving the Lord.
Discipleship
requires uncommon trust -- Mark 9:36-50: In Mark 9:38-40 we read,
"John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy
name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him,
because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle
in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is
on our part." This is a passage that has been twisted and perverted. This
passage is used to say that we should accept anyone that says they are acting
in Jesus' name. It is also applied as a proof that gospel preachers should
refrain from exposing false teachers and telling people they are in religious
error or immorality. The man casting out demons was not a false teacher. If he
had been Jesus would have called him a false prophets or a bad tree. (Matthew
7:15-20) Jesus said this man is "on our part." John did not say the
man was a false teacher, only "he followeth not
us." There were many others not in the company of the apostles that were
faithful disciples! This unidentified man, based on every indication we have,
was a faithful disciple of Christ, teaching only the truth of God.
God wants us to serve others and to
be careful not to offend. He warns us to careful avoid any that would offend or
pull us away from God or any attitude that would cause us to be cast into hell.
Those that do not turn away from God will be salted and preserved by His grace
and mercy. Those that deny themselves and become a living sacrifice for Jesus
will be preserved from eternal destruction. But as salt if it loses its
saltines is fit for nothing, so you, if you lose your faith and love, are fit
for nothing but to be utterly destroyed.
Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your
Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans