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.Lack of full trust - Mark 9:24
The response of the father was fully realistic. He believed, but confessed a lack of full trust. In that way the father is so much like every follower of Jesus. Even the most trusting are still tainted in this life with doubts and fears. Such honesty must have resonated with the original readers of the Gospel in Rome who were facing persecution. Glory was coming, but first there was suffering–for Jesus and for his people. See WCF 18.3.Humble dependence on God - Mark 9:28-29
Privately the disciples asked Jesus why they had failed to cast out this evil spirit. Earlier (6:7) Jesus had given them authority over such spirits; and they had had success at casting them out before (6:13). Jesus replied that only complete dependence on God in prayer will lead to victory in the kingdom battle against the forces of evil. Apparently the disciples had failed because they tried to cast out the spirit in their own strength. Perhaps with the opposition of the scribes and the public pressure of the crowd (9:14) humble dependence on God in faith and prayer had given place to pride and self-confidence. Jesus called them back to simple trust and prayer.
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