Mark 9 reminds me of being made to shake hands and say you are sorry as kids. Our parents saw this as a peaceful ending to a conflict, but many times nothing was really resolved. Too often we look for Political solutions to Spiritual problems. In today’s chapter the disciples are firmly focused on the rank they will hold in the new political power under King Jesus. We begin with the last words to the crowd from the previous chapter, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power”. We often project our understanding onto the words of others. Certainly the disciples took it to mean the Roman oppression would soon end. Six days later, Jesus took the big three (Peter, James and John) to a mountain top “where they were all alone”. There are a few rare occasions in life when we get to see the beauty of another person that is hidden behind their outward appearance. Here we see the Glory of God revealed, “His clothes became dazzling white…and… Elijah and Moses… were talking with Jesus”. They even heard the proclamation from God, “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” I’m sure Peter believed the time to reign and rule was about to begin, and he was ready to mark the occasion… Until Jesus ordered them, “not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead”. This confused them even more. Even the disciples struggled to understand that sin has to be addressed before we can find peace.
They came off the mountain top and walked right back into worldly conflict. On the way down, Jesus asked them, “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” Ponder that for a moment before the chaos of the day.
The next scene describes a large crowd, arguing, accusations, public failure, spiritual warfare and a helpless father. Jesus does not propose a new law. Laws do not change hearts. He listened, He taught and He healed. In the midst of the melee, Jesus spoke to the boy’s father, “Everything is possible for one who believes”. This dad answered, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Politicians make promises, but Jesus took action. The boy was healed.
The chapter closes with a series of challenging contrasts. While walking to the next town Jesus was instructing the disciples on His death and resurrection. “But they did not understand what He meant and were afraid to ask Him”. The disciples were once again arguing about who would be the greatest in the new kingdom. This time He stopped and sat down to teach. “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all”. Notice He does not say to put a few others first. He says very last and servant of all. That is beyond me. Perhaps this is why Messiah suffered much? Jesus also spoke about being approachable, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me”. Babies are helpless and stinky; they tend to get stuff on us, much like those spiritually searching. He spoke of unity, “whoever is not against us is for us”. Why do politicians focus on the things that divide? And He spoke of corruption. Jesus had harsh words for anyone that “causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me—to stumble”. Causing someone to stumble means to intentionally try to trip them; this does not mean we should prevent the struggle over difficult concepts! Inward reflection is important. For example, Jesus also discussed removing things from your own life that cause you to stumble. Is there something in your life that is hindering you from receiving God’s forgiveness with gratitude? The chapter closes with encouragement to remain salty and fiery. My friend, if you want to find true peace, please stop looking to politicians for answers.