We come to
the climax of Jesus’ ministry in Mark 9 – this is where it changes gear as He
heads for Jerusalem, avoiding any further witness in Galilee. If
the Guv finds this hard going, imagine how this young man of only 33 years must
have felt, deliberately leaving the glory of transfiguration and the comfort of
Elijah (Prophets) and Moses (Law) to face mockery, betrayal, abuse and certain
death by crucifixion as the worst of criminal.
It
all begins with three disciples privileged to be reminded who Jesus really is:
not just a rabbi but the Son of God! “This is My beloved Son: hear HIM”
Let’s take
an overview of this journey and some conversations along the way, from these
next two chapters...
It’s now
time to head down the mountain and face the real world – faithless crowds of people running, scribes
questioning, powerless disciples, a desperate father... “Help my unbelief!”...and
his child typical of suffering humanity. This is action-packed – everything happens straightaway – and notice what the main players are up to...
- Satan is doing everything He can to derail Jesus’ mission – having inspired the #1 disciple Peter to rebuke the Lord, and now this child thrashes with an unclean spirit. Can’t anyone help?
- The disciples are too often afraid and think they can hide from the Lord what they have been arguing about: ‘who is the greatest’ if you please!
The One who really is the greatest, the lowly
Son of God, has His focus on rising from the dead!
“...He shall rise the third day.”
It’s time
for Jesus to warn against offending children (a millstone for a necklace?) and
of the certainty of hell... “...the
fire that never shall be quenched”
WOAH!! Yes, the stakes could not be higher.
