Mark 9
BSB1 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God arrive with power." 2 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. 4 And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say. 7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!" 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus admonished them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this matter to themselves, discussing what it meant to rise from the dead. 11 And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 12 He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him." 14 When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were filled with awe and ran to greet Him. 16 “What are you disputing with them?” He asked. 17 Someone in the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable." 19 “O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me." 20 So they brought him, and seeing Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been with him?” “From childhood,” he said. 22 “It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!" 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!" 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again." 26 After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?" 29 Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer." 30 Going on from there, they passed through Galilee. But Jesus did not want anyone to know, 31 because He was teaching His disciples. He told them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise." 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it. 33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?" 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all." 36 Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me." 38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us." 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward. 42 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. 45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where ’their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
Study Notes — Mark 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 9
- Themes from Mark 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the transfiguration of Jesus, where He is joined by Moses and Elijah, and God declares Him to be His beloved Son. The disciples, Peter, James, and John, are witnesses to this event and are commanded to keep it secret until after Jesus' resurrection. The chapter then shifts to the story of a boy possessed by an unclean spirit, which Jesus' disciples are unable to cast out. Jesus rebukes the spirit, heals the boy, and teaches His disciples about the importance of faith and prayer. The chapter concludes with Jesus teaching His disciples about the importance of humility, compassion, and the danger of causing others to stumble.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 9 is situated in the midst of Jesus' ministry, as He is traveling with His disciples towards Jerusalem. The chapter serves as a turning point in the book of Mark, as Jesus begins to reveal more clearly His divine nature and the purpose of His ministry. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, as it references the Old Testament and looks forward to the events of the cross and resurrection.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a reminder to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. As Jesus says in Mark 9:23, "Everything is possible for one who believes." The chapter also emphasizes the importance of humility and compassion, reminding us that true greatness is not measured by our own strength or abilities, but by our willingness to serve and obey God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 9 is a chapter about the transfiguration of Jesus and the power of faith. Jesus is revealed as the Son of God, and He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty. The chapter also teaches about the importance of humility and compassion, reminding us that true greatness is not measured by our own strength or abilities, but by our willingness to serve and obey God. As Jesus says in Mark 9:23, "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Voices from the Church
“Faith is not a feeling, but a choice to trust in God's power and sovereignty. As Jesus says in Mark 9:23, "Everything is possible for one who believes."”
— Martin Luther
“The transfiguration of Jesus serves as a reminder of His divine nature and the purpose of His ministry. As Jesus says in Mark 9:7, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13) — Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and God declares Him to be His beloved Son.
- The Healing of the Boy (Mark 9:14-29) — Jesus' disciples are unable to cast out an unclean spirit from a boy, but Jesus rebukes the spirit and heals the boy.
- The Importance of Faith (Mark 9:23-24) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, saying that everything is possible for one who believes.
- The Importance of Humility (Mark 9:33-37) — Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, saying that whoever wants to be first must be last.
- The Danger of Causing Others to Stumble (Mark 9:42-50) — Jesus warns His disciples about the danger of causing others to stumble, saying that it would be better to enter life maimed than to cause others to stumble.
Core Doctrines
- The Divinity of Christ
- Mark 9 emphasizes the divinity of Christ, as Jesus is revealed as the Son of God and demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm.
- The Power of Faith
- The chapter teaches about the power of faith, emphasizing that everything is possible for one who believes.
- The Importance of Humility
- Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, saying that whoever wants to be first must be last.
- The Authority of Jesus
- Jesus demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm, casting out the unclean spirit from the boy.
Lessons from Mark 9
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
- The Danger of Pride and Ambition — Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, saying that whoever wants to be first must be last.
- The Importance of Compassion and Service — Jesus shows compassion to the boy possessed by an unclean spirit, and teaches His disciples about the importance of showing compassion to others.
- The Authority of Jesus — Jesus demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm, casting out the unclean spirit from the boy.
- The Importance of Faith and Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and prayer, as Jesus teaches His disciples about the power of faith and the importance of praying for others.
Themes from Mark 9
- The Divinity of Christ — The chapter emphasizes the divinity of Christ, as Jesus is revealed as the Son of God and demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches about the power of faith, emphasizing that everything is possible for one who believes.
- The Importance of Humility — Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, saying that whoever wants to be first must be last.
- The Authority of Jesus — Jesus demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm, casting out the unclean spirit from the boy.
- The Importance of Compassion and Service — Jesus shows compassion to the boy possessed by an unclean spirit, and teaches His disciples about the importance of showing compassion to others.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the transfiguration of Jesus reveal about His divine nature?
- How does Jesus' teaching on faith emphasize the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty?
- What does Jesus mean when He says that whoever wants to be first must be last?
- How does the chapter warn against causing others to stumble?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of humility and compassion?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13)
| Mark 9:1 | Jesus says that some of His disciples will see the kingdom of God come with power before they die. |
| Mark 9:2 | Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain, where He is transfigured before them. |
| Mark 9:3 | Jesus' clothes become white and radiant, and He is joined by Moses and Elijah. |
| Mark 9:4 | Peter, James, and John are amazed and terrified by the sight. |
| Mark 9:5 | Peter suggests building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, but God interrupts him. |
| Mark 9:6 | God says that Jesus is His beloved Son, and that the disciples should listen to Him. |
| Mark 9:7 | The disciples are commanded to keep the transfiguration a secret until after Jesus' resurrection. |
| Mark 9:8 | The disciples come down from the mountain, and Jesus teaches them about the importance of faith and prayer. |
| Mark 9:9 | The disciples ask Jesus about the meaning of the transfiguration, but He tells them to wait until after His resurrection. |
| Mark 9:10 | The disciples are confused about the meaning of the resurrection, but Jesus tells them not to worry about it. |
| Mark 9:11 | The disciples ask Jesus about the coming of Elijah, and Jesus tells them that Elijah has already come. |
| Mark 9:12 | Jesus says that He will suffer and die, and that the disciples will be persecuted. |
| Mark 9:13 | Jesus says that Elijah has already come, and that He has restored all things. |
2. The Healing of the Boy (Mark 9:14-29)
| Mark 9:14 | The disciples are unable to cast out an unclean spirit from a boy, and they ask Jesus for help. |
| Mark 9:15 | Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and casts it out of the boy. |
| Mark 9:16 | The disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the spirit, and Jesus tells them that it is because of their lack of faith. |
| Mark 9:17 | The father of the boy asks Jesus to help him, and Jesus says that everything is possible for one who believes. |
| Mark 9:18 | The boy is healed, and the disciples are amazed by Jesus' power. |
| Mark 9:19 | The disciples ask Jesus to teach them about the importance of faith and prayer. |
| Mark 9:20 | Jesus teaches the disciples about the importance of faith and prayer, and how they can cast out unclean spirits. |
| Mark 9:21 | The disciples ask Jesus about the importance of fasting, and Jesus tells them that it is not necessary for casting out unclean spirits. |
| Mark 9:22 | The disciples ask Jesus about the importance of prayer, and Jesus tells them that it is essential for casting out unclean spirits. |
| Mark 9:23 | Jesus says that everything is possible for one who believes, and that faith is the key to casting out unclean spirits. |
| Mark 9:24 | The father of the boy says that he believes, and Jesus heals the boy. |
| Mark 9:25 | The unclean spirit is cast out of the boy, and he is healed. |
| Mark 9:26 | The boy is restored to his father, and the disciples are amazed by Jesus' power. |
| Mark 9:27 | The disciples ask Jesus about the importance of faith and prayer, and Jesus tells them that it is essential for their ministry. |
| Mark 9:28 | The disciples ask Jesus about the importance of humility, and Jesus tells them that it is essential for their ministry. |
| Mark 9:29 | Jesus says that the disciples must be humble and serve others, and that they must trust in God's power and sovereignty. |
3. The Importance of Faith (Mark 9:30-32)
| Mark 9:30 | Jesus and His disciples travel through Galilee, and Jesus teaches them about the importance of faith. |
| Mark 9:31 | Jesus says that the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and that He will be killed and rise again on the third day. |
| Mark 9:32 | The disciples do not understand what Jesus is saying, and they are afraid to ask Him about it. |
4. The Importance of Humility (Mark 9:33-37)
| Mark 9:33 | The disciples argue about who is the greatest, and Jesus teaches them about the importance of humility. |
| Mark 9:34 | Jesus says that whoever wants to be first must be last, and that the disciples must serve others. |
| Mark 9:35 | Jesus takes a child and puts him in the midst of the disciples, and He says that whoever receives a child in His name receives Him. |
| Mark 9:36 | Jesus says that the disciples must be humble and serve others, and that they must trust in God's power and sovereignty. |
| Mark 9:37 | Jesus says that whoever receives a child in His name receives Him, and that the disciples must be faithful to Him. |
5. The Danger of Causing Others to Stumble (Mark 9:38-50)
| Mark 9:38 | John tells Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in His name, and Jesus says that the man is not against them. |
| Mark 9:39 | Jesus says that whoever is not against them is for them, and that the disciples must be faithful to Him. |
| Mark 9:40 | Jesus says that if someone gives them a cup of water in His name, they will be rewarded. |
| Mark 9:41 | Jesus says that whoever causes one of His disciples to stumble will be punished, and that it would be better to enter life maimed than to cause others to stumble. |
| Mark 9:42 | Jesus says that if someone's hand causes them to stumble, they should cut it off, and that it is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. |
| Mark 9:43 | Jesus says that if someone's foot causes them to stumble, they should cut it off, and that it is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. |
| Mark 9:44 | Jesus says that if someone's eye causes them to stumble, they should pluck it out, and that it is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. |
| Mark 9:45 | Jesus says that the disciples must be faithful to Him, and that they must trust in God's power and sovereignty. |
| Mark 9:46 | Jesus says that everyone will be salted with fire, and that the disciples must be faithful to Him. |
| Mark 9:47 | Jesus says that if someone's eye causes them to stumble, they should pluck it out, and that it is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. |
| Mark 9:48 | Jesus says that the disciples must be faithful to Him, and that they must trust in God's power and sovereignty. |
| Mark 9:49 | Jesus says that everyone will be salted with fire, and that the disciples must be faithful to Him. |
| Mark 9:50 | Jesus says that the disciples must have salt in themselves, and that they must be at peace with each other. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the transfiguration of Jesus?
The transfiguration of Jesus is a revelation of His divine nature, as He is joined by Moses and Elijah and God declares Him to be His beloved Son (Mark 9:7).
Why were the disciples unable to cast out the unclean spirit from the boy?
The disciples were unable to cast out the unclean spirit from the boy because of their lack of faith (Mark 9:19). Jesus tells them that everything is possible for one who believes (Mark 9:23).
What does Jesus mean when He says that whoever wants to be first must be last?
Jesus means that true greatness is not measured by our own strength or abilities, but by our willingness to serve and obey God. He says that whoever wants to be first must be last, and that the disciples must be humble and serve others (Mark 9:35).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 9:1 → Matthew 16:28 | Jesus says that some of His disciples will see the kingdom of God come with power before they die, which is fulfilled in the transfiguration (Matthew 16:28). |
| 2 | Mark 9:2 → Luke 9:28 | The transfiguration of Jesus is also recorded in Luke 9:28, where Jesus is joined by Moses and Elijah and God declares Him to be His beloved Son. |
| 3 | Mark 9:7 → Psalm 2:7 | God declares Jesus to be His beloved Son, which is a reference to Psalm 2:7, where God says that He has begotten Jesus as His Son. |
| 4 | Mark 9:11 → Malachi 4:5 | Jesus says that Elijah has already come, which is a reference to Malachi 4:5, where God says that He will send Elijah before the day of the Lord. |
| 5 | Mark 9:12 → Isaiah 53:3 | Jesus says that He will suffer and die, which is a reference to Isaiah 53:3, where God says that He will be despised and rejected by men. |
| 6 | Mark 9:23 → Matthew 17:20 | Jesus says that everything is possible for one who believes, which is also recorded in Matthew 17:20, where Jesus says that faith can move mountains. |
| 7 | Mark 9:31 → Psalm 16:10 | Jesus says that the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and that He will be killed and rise again on the third day, which is a reference to Psalm 16:10, where God says that He will not let His holy one see decay. |
| 8 | Mark 9:35 → Matthew 20:26 | Jesus says that whoever wants to be first must be last, which is also recorded in Matthew 20:26, where Jesus says that the greatest among them will be their servant. |
| 9 | Mark 9:42 → Matthew 18:6 | Jesus says that whoever causes one of His disciples to stumble will be punished, which is also recorded in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus says that it would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of His disciples to stumble. |
| 10 | Mark 9:48 → Isaiah 66:24 | Jesus says that everyone will be salted with fire, which is a reference to the purifying power of God's judgment. |
Sermons on Mark 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Alabama) the Prodigal by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the uncond |
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(People God Uses) 02 the Need for Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of having the right perspective in our faith. He uses the example of the disciples' inability to cast out an evil spirit from |
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But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
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A Call to the Church (Lazarus, Come Forth) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a gathering where many people were going to Afghanistan for missionary work after three months of court and discipleship. The speaker emphas |
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God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to fix anything that has gone wrong in our lives. He starts by reminding the congregation that everyone needs something fix |
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Giving Your All by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually aware and not allowing the world to dull our minds. He urges believers to constantly pray and be steward |
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Our God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that no matter how far gone someone may seem, they are never too far gone for God to fix. He shares a story of a father who went to great le |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high b |
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Faith to Fulfill All of God's Will by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing more and giving more in order to have God's presence in our lives. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who went above a |
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Obstacles to Jesus and His Mission by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving and giving in fulfilling God's mission for our lives. He highlights that Jesus came to serve and give his life, no |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 9
In Mark 9, Jesus is revealed as the Son of God, with the voice of God declaring Him to be His beloved Son (Mark 9:7). Jesus demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm, casting out the unclean spirit from the boy (Mark 9:25). The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and compassion, as Jesus teaches His disciples about the power of faith and the importance of serving others. As Matthew Henry notes, the transfiguration of Jesus serves as a reminder of His divine nature and the purpose of His ministry, and the chapter as a whole teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Transfiguration
The transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the chapter, as it reveals Jesus' divine nature and prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face in their ministry. The event is also significant because it shows Jesus' connection to the Old Testament, as He is joined by Moses and Elijah.
The Power of Faith
The chapter highlights the power of faith in the lives of believers, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty. The story of the boy possessed by an unclean spirit serves as a reminder that faith is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a choice to trust in God's power and provision.
The Importance of Humility
Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, saying that whoever wants to be first must be last (Mark 9:35). This serves as a reminder that true greatness is not measured by our own strength or abilities, but by our willingness to serve and obey God.