Mark 9

     9:1.  There is a sense in which the kingdom of God was already present (Mt.12:28; Luke 17:21), for the kingdom is wherever the King is.  But it was veiled, for he had “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men”,  (Php.2:7).  In v.8:38, Jesus speaks of his coming in glory to judge the world on the Last Great Day.  Now, in v.9:1, he brings in another aspect of judgment.   It begins wherever and whenever men are brought face to face with the power of God.  Then you will know that Jehovah reigns, or as the N.T. would put it, “Jesus is Lord”.  His coming “with power”, suggests judgment on enemies.  This is seen in the warning to the high priest of the desolation of Jerusalem in A.D.70 (14:62).  That is what Jesus is speaking of here in 9:1 as well.  Some will live to see it, he says, and when you do, know that I reign in power over my enemies.

     But the power of the kingdom is also seen by those who witness Christ’s victory over death, and in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, and the following success of the gospel.  All these things are vitally connected to the final judgment, which is always only a breath and heartbeat away from any man.

     9:2-8.  “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”  (Ex.40:34).  And the true tabernacle where God’s glory dwelt among us was his body.  (John 1:14; 2:21; 2 Pet.1:16-19).  Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the prophets) bear witness to him.  He is their message and their salvation, the end of all revelation.  God says, “Listen to Him!”  And then they see only Jesus.

     9:9-13.  Speaking of his death and resurrection plainly (cf.8:31-32; 9:31-32) did not increase their understanding.  It might as well have been in a riddle as in literal speech.  They try to change the subject (11), but he gently turns it back to what must shortly take place (12).

     9:14-29.  He had given his disciples authority to heal, and to cast out demons (6:7,13), but they could not in this case.  Jesus produces a measure of faith from the father, who at first seemed driven only by the goad of despair.  The father makes a wise answer to Jesus’ rebuke (23-24).  Perhaps the boy really was dead (26).  It may have taken a new creation to restore such damage.  Vv.28-29 pose an interesting picture.  The disciples could not restore the child by delegated authority.  Only God himself could do it, therefore Jesus says only prayer can defeat some evils.  Yet Jesus does not at this time pray.  He simply commands by his own authority, and the evil spirit must obey (25).

     9:32.  Cf. Luke 9:45; 18:34.  These verses in Luke suggest that their lack of understanding of plain words was according to God’s plan and purpose.  The truth was concealed from them until later.

      9:33-50.  Jesus’ question (33) shames them (34).  Jesus’ tenderness with the children is an object lesson that shames them more.  John tries to change the subject (38), but Jesus uses his remark to further teach them (and us) not to turn away or hinder anyone, however immature or misguided, who shows a regard for Christ.  The weak have a strong defender (42).  Vv.43-48, see notes at Mt.5:17-32.   The refrain in v.48 is the last verse of Isaiah (66:24).  It is the curse upon those who reject the Messianic kingdom.  This is the consuming fire of God’s wrath.  But for those in Christ, there is a fire that does not consume (49; see Dan.3:25; Acts 2:3).  V. 50 warns against the irredeemable tragedy of losing the savor of the Spirit, which should keep them in the bonds of peace.