Mark Chapter 9: Mountaintops, Valleys, and Lessons in Faith

Mark 9 is like a roller-coaster. It takes us up to an incredible mountaintop experience, then plunges us down to face some tough challenges. Throughout, Jesus teaches his disciples (and us!) some really important lessons.

The Mountaintop: Jesus Transfigured (verses 2-8)

• The Glowing Jesus: Imagine this: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. Suddenly, his appearance changes. His clothes become dazzling white, brighter than anything you could bleach! Then, Moses and Elijah (two major figures from the Old Testament) appear and talk with Jesus.
• The Voice from Heaven: A voice from heaven booms out, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
• What it Means: This event shows us that Jesus is more than just a good teacher. He’s the Son of God, the one we should follow above all others. It’s like a sneak peek into his true glory.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus was transfigured? What message did it send to his disciples?
2. Have you ever had a “mountaintop” experience where you felt close to God? What was that like?
3. Why is it important to “listen to him” (Jesus)? What does that look like in your everyday life?

The Valley: The Boy with the Evil Spirit (verses 14-29)

• A Desperate Father: When Jesus and the disciples come down the mountain, they find a crowd. A man pleads with Jesus to heal his son, who is tormented by an evil spirit.
• The Disciples’ Failure: The disciples try to drive out the spirit but can’t. Jesus steps in and heals the boy.
• Jesus’ Explanation: Jesus tells the disciples that this kind of spirit can only be driven out by prayer and fasting.
• What it Means: This story shows us that even when we feel weak, Jesus is powerful. It also teaches us about the importance of faith and prayer, especially when facing tough situations.

Study Questions

1. How does the father’s desperation challenge you to trust Jesus more?
2. Why do you think the disciples couldn’t heal the boy? What can we learn from their failure?
3. What does this story teach you about the power of prayer and faith?

Other Lessons in Mark 9

• True Greatness: Jesus says that the greatest person is the one who serves others. (verse 35)
• Stumbling Blocks: We need to be careful not to cause others to stumble in their faith. (verses 42-48)
• The Cost of Following Jesus: Being a follower of Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. (verses 43-48)

Study Questions

1. What does it mean to be “great” in God’s eyes? How is it different from the world’s idea of greatness?
2. What are some things that can be “stumbling blocks” for people in their faith? How can we avoid becoming one?
3. Why do you think following Jesus can be difficult? What are some of the rewards?

Let me know if you’d like more questions or want to dive deeper into any particular section of Mark 9!