Take up your cross: a sermon on Mark 8:31-9:39
Peter realised who Jesus was. “You are the Messiah (the Christ)” (Mark 8:29)
That recognition came with a long list of expectations. Basically Peter expected Jesus re-establish the magnificence of King David’s rule.
Security, Peace; Prosperity
It has to be said that my acknowledgment of Christ also comes with expectations.
They are roughly the same as Peter’s but with a delay followed by the cessation of suffering, being crowned, worshipping God forever.
I have an idea of what that looks like
The disciples knew what their expectation looked like too.
· Being great (Mark 9:34)
· Having powerful positions in Jesus’ Kingdom (Mark 10:17)
· NOT suffering; not the condemnation of a criminal
But Jesus said that was what would happen to them. (Mark 8:31)
AND his disciples would face the same future. (Mark 8:34ff)
Mark is not about Mark is about
Losing one’s life Gaining ones’ life
Forfeiting the world Saving one’s soul
Unashamedly joining the Son of Man in rejection Seeing the kingdom
BUT as a recruitment exercise, delayed gratification and suffering does not spin all that well.
The subsequent passages gives three “helps” for believing this is right.
1) A Promise to the disciples. (Mark 9:1)
“…see the Kingdom of God come with power”
An intriguing promise. What did the disciples think it meant when Jesus said it? What did they think it meant when Mark was writing? By the time Mark was written they probably thought the promise had been kept. The transfiguration may have been the fulfilment of the promise but it t least prefigures the fulfilment. Other suggestions are the death and resurrection of Jesus or Pentecost.
2) The Transfiguration
What is the “transfiguration” about.?
1. Other than Jesus, there are 5 people present –
a. James, John, Peter
Probably Jesus’ closest disciples but also representatives of the new covenant
b. Moses and Elijah – why Moses and Elijah?
Note the first answer to the question “Who do people say that I am?’ (8:29)
o John the Baptist
o Elijah Malachi prophesied: ‘‘See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. (Malachi 4:5)
o The prophet Moses said: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. (Deuteronomy 18:15; cf Matthew 17:10-13)
Both Elijah and Moses would have a role to do with the last days when God’s promises are fulfilled.
2. The circumstances are also reminiscent of the circumstances associated with receiving the commandments on Mt Sinai. esp. the voice from the shekinah cloud (Exodus 24:15-16; cf Mark 8:7)
Jesus is being associated with covenant making – establishing a new kingdom.
3. What is this all saying about Jesus?
Peter wants to build some huts for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. We are not sure why. Maybe to make them comfortable. Maybe because you did that at the Feast of Tabernacles which was associated with the last days. He treats the three as equals but is corrected. He’s got the wrong idea.
· Jesus’ transfiguration is about his being glorified (Mark 9:2 cf Exodus 24:15-17)
· And God speaks saying
‘‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (v5)
All this affirms that Jesus is on the right path. The path to death.
The three disciples have seen Jesus in his glory as the one who establishes a new covenant. They are to keep quiet until after the resurrection. Before that, this perspective on Jesus is just confusing. Even the disciples did not really get it until after Pentecost.
3) The Curing of the Demoniac boy (Mark 9:14-29)
This story is not really about healing the boy. It is about the faith of:
1. The father
2. The disciples
Jesus’ comment in Mark 9:19 is a reflection on everyone’s capacity to believe.
“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?”
The father having been rebuked for his lack of faith. (“If I can?” Mark 9:23) cries
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
The disciples, who have been silent through this whole episode, approach Jesus privately and ask why they could not cast out the demon.
Jesus’ answer is “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Mark 9:29
The disciples had been authorised to cast out demons (Mark 6:7). We have been authorised to ask whatever we will. (John 14:13-14 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.) t is easy to mistake authority for power. The power is always God’s. We need reminding that we are dependant on God even for our faith. Prayer is a good way to increase faith. The father prayed to Jesus for “Help”. We do well to express our dependence in all things. We do not have authority to get anything we want. We have authority to come to God in prayer asking for what we want and seeking his will. Our heavenly Father has promised to answer us as we live in that dependant relationship.