Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Mark 9:4-23

Moses and Elijah - Mark 9:4

Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the Prophets. Together with Jesus they demonstrate the continuation and fulfillment of God's redeeming work of the Old Testament in the ministry of Jesus.

Feast of Tabernacles - Mark 9:5

A part of the glory of the Day of the Lord described in Zech. 14:1, 16 is the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Greek word translated shelters is also the word for tabernacles. Peter thought they were seeing the final coming of God's kingdom and that Jesus had been wrong about his coming death.

Terrified - Mark 9:6

The disciples were terrified by the display of Jesus' divine glory. The scene is reminiscent of Isa. 6:1-5. Again Mark pointed out that the natural human reaction to the unveiled glory of God is awe, astonishment, and fear.

The divine voice - Mark 9:7

The divine voice was directed to the disciples. (Note the difference from the baptismal voice in Matt. 3:17 that was addressed to Jesus.) The transfiguration was not for Jesus' benefit. It was for the disciples' benefit. Notice also the words of 9:2 before them, and 9:4 appeared to them. The transfiguration just like the promise of 9:1 was intended to assure those who would suffer for Jesus, that they would also be glorified with him.

Tell no one - Mark 9:9

The command to tell no one was intended here as elsewhere in the gospel to avoid stirring up the expectation that Jesus would be a political/military messiah (1:34, 43-45; 3:12; 4:10,11; 7:36; 8:26, 30; 9:30, 31).

Rising from the dead - Mark 9:10

The disciples did not understand Jesus' reference to his rising from the dead. They probably misunderstood because most Jews expected a general resurrection at the end of the age, not the resurrection of a single individual in the middle of history.

Elijah on the mountain - Mark 9:11-13

The appearance of Elijah on the mountain with Jesus prompted the disciples' question about him. Jesus responded that the expectation of Elijah's return was correct (Mal. 4:5), but that it had already been fulfilled by John the Baptist. The prophecy was fulfilled in a figurative way rather than in a literal way. (See Lk. 1:17.) Jesus also made it clear that the suffering death of John the Baptist did not disqualify him as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy because even the Son o9f Man would suffer.

Disappointment and opposition - Mark 9:14-17

As soon as Jesus came down from the moment of glory on the mountain he was confronted with the disappointment and opposition that were the reality of his ministry. The disciples had been unable to carry on without him. The scribes were attacking them. The crowds were seeking a miracle worker. The evil spirit was trying to destroy the boy. (See v.22.)

Unbelieving generation - Mark 9:19

Jesus was deeply moved by the lack of understanding and faith among them all, including the disciples. They were an unbelieving generation.

Reacted to the presence of Jesus - Mark 9:20

The evil spirit immediately reacted to the presence of Jesus by convulsing the boy. It is another example of the conflict of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

Deep compassion - Mark 9:21

Jesus' question grew out of his deep compassion.

Lack of faith - Mark 9:22-23

The disciples' inability to heal the boy led the father to wonder if Jesus would be able to do so. Jesus made it clear that his own power was not the problem. The problem was the father's lack of faith. See the note on 6:5.

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