Mark 9: Bible Study

Our studies at the moment are exploring the Gospel of Mark – most probably dictated to Mark by the apostle Peter. Each week a chapter will be chosen as we systematically work our way through the gospel. The minister will take a section of that chapter to preach on but over 5 of the 7 days in that week you will have the opportunity to read that chapter for yourselves as we explore together the life of Jesus. If you have any questions as you study please do not hesitate to either email the minister or contact him by phone – he will be delighted to help.

Mark 9

Day 1 Read Mark chapter 9

We are taken to a sublime place and then we go back down to the pain of the world and how Jesus addresses both it and His own potential future suffering. Try and read through the chapter a couple of times and grasp on the drama of the 4 very distinctive parts of the chapter. Try using your imagination and "feel" your way into these events.

Day 2 Read Mark 9:1-13

Before you read this chapter, reflect on what Jesus says in the latter part of chapter 8. Transfiguration means a complete change of appearance similar to what happens when a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. It is an indication of Christ's pre-existent glory that He shared with the Father before His coming to earth. It is also an indication of the type of transformation that will take place when He dies, and also the transformation that will take place in the lives of Christians after they "shed" their mortal bodies. To be topical, many of us have been deeply affected by the murder of 21 Coptic Christians by IS - yet, such things were "normal" in the early church - Jesus even told us to expect them. What is the state of these men now? -  Glorious. See this passage as evidence not only of life after death but of the quality of that life.

Day 3 Read Mark 9:14-29

This is a fairly long passage [for Mark] to devote to a healing/deliverance.The pivotal verses are 23 and 24. How often we are like the disciples when we are faced with a situation or circumstances that defeat us. Notice Jesus' response in v 23 - two things:

He first of all deals with the perceived limits the man puts on Jesus' ability to do anything; then leaves us with the double challenge of Jesus in v23 and the man in v 24. Hold these words in your mind and let them impact on your life.

Day 4 Read Mark 9:30-37

Notice the difference between Jesus and the disciples - Jesus is preoccupied with his impending death and its meaning and the disciples are preoccupied with themselves and carving out their "career" prospects in the Kingdom of God. He then gives them a perfect illustration in verses 36/7 of the humility that IS required by the person who belongs to the Kingdom.

Question -

• Are we more preoccupied by the Cross and its meaning than our own ambitions? Which comes first?

Day 5 Read Mark 9:38 - 50

"He isn't one of us." - verse 38. It is typical of denominationalism that we demand that people appear, act and believe exactly like us, or they are not "in." We are all guilty of such narrow thinking. Look at Jesus' expansive and generous view in verses 39-41. However, Jesus also gives a warning too, especially to those who follow Him. We are very good at excluding or dismissing those who don't believe and think like us, yet the love and grace of God is far more generous than we are. Jesus warns us not to harm or discourage the faith of another person, and of the consequences of a life that is carelessly lived - see verses 42-48. Finally He pleads with us to have at the core of who we are the following advice - "live in peace with each other."