MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:1 SOME STANDING HERE WHO WILL NOT TASTE DEATH probably refers to the three disciples who will accompany Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration. They will see THE KINGDOM OF GOD... COME WITH POWER. The transfiguration is a “preview” of the glory of Christ in his return (Daniel 7:13... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:2 HIGH MOUNTAIN. Probably Mount Hermon (see note on Matt. 17:1). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:3 On WHITE as heavenly brightness, compare Daniel 7:9; Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10; Revelation 1:14. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsB [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:4 Jesus is greater than both MOSES, who represents the Law, and ELIJAH, who represents the Prophets. Jesus thus fulfills both the Law and the Prophets (see Matthew 5:17). Luke adds the detail that they discuss Jesus’ imminent “departure” (Luke 9:31). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var ima [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:5 Peter sees Jesus merely as someone similar to MOSES and ELIJAH and wishes to raise TENTS for them, perhaps because he wants to prolong the experience. Peter does not know what he is saying, for he is speaking impulsively, out of fear (v. Mark 9:6). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:7 The VOICE... OUT OF THE CLOUD echoes Exodus 24:15. THIS IS MY BELOVED SON; LISTEN TO HIM. Jesus, with all his claims, is endorsed by the Father (see Psalms 2:7; Isaiah 42:1; Mark 1:11). “Listen to him” echoes Deuteronomy 18:15,... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:9 TELL NO ONE. See note on Matt. 8:4. Jesus commands silence in order to avoid a popular movement that would make him into a political “freedom fighter” (see John 6:15). Such a political role would interfere with his purpose of suffering and dying to save his people. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var i... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:10 QUESTIONING WHAT THIS RISING FROM THE DEAD MIGHT MEAN. The disciples expected only the resurrection of all mankind at the end of this age, after the coming of Elijah (see Daniel 12:2). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, i... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:12 John the Baptist restored ALL THINGS by preparing the way for the coming of the ultimate Restorer (see Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21). On John the Baptist as Elijah, see notes on Mal. 4:4–6; Matthew 11:14. BE TREATED WITH CONTEMPT. See Isaiah 53:3. [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:13 Referring to John the Baptist, Jesus states that ELIJAH HAS COME. See Luke 1:17. Jesus thus contradicted popular expectations (Mark 9:11), which hoped for the literal return of Elijah. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, i... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:19 O FAITHLESS GENERATION. Jesus’ burdened expression echoes that of the prophets (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:5, Deuteronomy 32:20; Isaiah 6:11; Jeremiah 5:21; see note on Mark 8:12). ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:22 The father is merely seeking a miracle from Jesus (IF YOU CAN DO ANYTHING), but Jesus calls on him to put his trust in God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:28 “WHY COULD WE NOT CAST IT OUT?” The disciples lack the ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus (see Mark 6:7, Mark 6:13; Mark 9:18). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:30 HE DID NOT WANT ANYONE TO KNOW. Jesus seeks privacy in order to continue TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES about his impending suffering in Jerusalem (see note on Matt. 8:4). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:32 The disciples do not UNDERSTAND that Jesus, the Messiah, must die; rather, they expect the Messiah to be a political liberator. Nor do they understand the idea of individual resurrection; they expect only the resurrection of all mankind at the last judgment (see Daniel 12:2).... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:33 IN THE HOUSE. Jesus instructs the disciples in the privacy of the home (see Mark 4:10, Mark 4:34; Mark 7:17; Mark 9:28; Mark 10:10). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:34 WHO WAS THE GREATEST. Because they thought the Messiah would be a political liberator, the disciples dream of status, honor, and power. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:35 HE SAT DOWN. Teachers often sat as they taught. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:36 Jesus shows the disciples that, instead of seeking greater status (v. Mark 9:34), they should be willing to take on lowly, often unnoticed tasks. They should care for those who have little status in the world, such as a little CHILD. RECEIVES NOT ME. See note on Luke 9:48. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:40 THE ONE WHO IS NOT AGAINST US IS FOR US. Compare Philippians 1:17. For a contrasting but equally true statement, see Matthew 12:30. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:41 WILL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD. God notices the smallest of deeds. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:42 Any who cause other believers, especially the lowly or powerless, TO SIN will receive severe punishment from God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:43 Jesus uses hyperbole (intentional overstatement) to show the seriousness of SIN: nothing, even important things such as a HAND, FOOT, or EYE, can be more important than God. Of course, Jesus does not mean that people should literally cut off those body parts, for the literal r... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:49 EVERYONE WILL BE SALTED WITH FIRE is a puzzling statement that occurs only in Mark. In view of Leviticus 2:13, “with all your offerings you shall offer salt,” perhaps the best interpretation is that believers are being offered to God (compare Romans 12:1), and the fire with wh... [ Continue Reading ]
MARK—NOTE ON MARK 9:50 LOST ITS SALTINESS. See note on Luke 14:34. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]