Jesus predicts that some would see the Kingdom of God come in it’s full power. Those who experienced this fulfilled were Peter, James, and John who were at the transfiguration. They saw Jesus as He is in the heavenly realm.
Whether you are a follower of Jesus or a skeptic, you can ask God for the gift of faith. Ask him to help you believe.
Jesus reframes greatness.
Jesus goes on to explain no one should be beneath us including children and we should be ok with others casting out demons in the name of Jesus even if we don’t know them because “whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40 NIV)
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This episode was filmed in India where those who follow Jesus are sharing about the One True God to people who believe in many gods much like the Christians in Rome that Mark was writing.
Video:
Mark 9 Notes:
Jesus predicts that some would see the Kingdom of God come in it’s full power. Those who experienced this fulfilled were Peter, James, and John who were at the transfiguration. They saw Jesus as He is in the heavenly realm.
This experience led to a discussion of a prophecy of Elijah returning to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus explains John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah and fulfilled that prophecy.
They are interrupted by a commotion where a man had asked the disciples to heal his demonized son, but they were unable to do so even though they had gone out and done this before. Jesus seems to indicate that they lacked faith and/or were trying to do the miraculous in their own power as He says: “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29 NIV)
There’s a really beautiful interaction between the man and Jesus.
The man explains that the demon “has often thrown [his son] into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
Jesus responds with “ ‘If you can’? Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe. [and then realizing Jesus may be able to tell he’s struggling to have faith immediately adds] help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24 NIV)
Whether you are a follower of Jesus or a skeptic, you can ask God for the gift of faith. Ask him to help you believe.
We see a moment when they are not talking when they should, but they are talking when they shouldn’t. The disciples are too afraid to ask Jesus to explain more about his upcoming death and resurrection. Instead they end up in an argument about who will be greatest in this new kingdom (even though they had failed to believe enough to heal the man’s demonized son not too long prior to this argument).
So Jesus reframes greatness.
“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35 NIV)
Jesus goes on to explain no one should be beneath us including children and we should be ok with others casting out demons in the name of Jesus even if we don’t know them because
“whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40 NIV)
Finally, he cautions them not to cause those younger or those with less power and authority to stumble in their faith. There is a place reserved for those who do that kind of evil. More on that idea later.
For now, ask God to help you believe.
Let him guide you to know who to serve and how to serve them – whether it’s giving them water or praying for healing.
