Highlights:
Whom say ye that I am? . . . Thou art the Christ (Mark 8:29). His suffering and death foretold (8:31-38; 9:30-32). Transfiguration (9:2-13). All things are possible to him that believeth (9:23).
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 (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 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). Perhaps unknowingly, Peter was making Moses and Elijah equal with Jesus. However, since Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God, He alone is worthy of our worship and obedience (Rev. 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).
Thought for Today:
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy (Ps. 147:11).
Word Studies:
9:3 fuller bleach that makes white, cleans; 9:12 set at nought rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt rippled.
Cross References:
For Mark 8:18: See Ezek. 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Is. 66:24.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Andre Carson (IN) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Ps. 86:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33