The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, revealing His divine glory. This event underscores Jesus' divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah.

Faith and Healing (Mark 9:14-29)
The healing of the demon-possessed boy highlights the importance of faith. Jesus emphasizes that everything is possible for one who believes (Mark 9:23).

The Prediction of Jesus' Death and Resurrection (Mark 9:30-32)
Jesus foretells His death and resurrection, reminding us of His mission and the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation.

True Greatness (Mark 9:33-37)
Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, using a child as an example of humility and dependence.

Avoiding Sin (Mark 9:42-50)
Jesus warns against causing others to sin and emphasizes the seriousness of sin, urging radical measures to avoid it.Embrace Humility
Seek to serve others selflessly, following Jesus' example of humility and service.

Strengthen Your Faith
Cultivate a strong faith through prayer and reliance on God, trusting that He can do the impossible.

Guard Against Sin
Be vigilant in avoiding sin and its temptations, taking proactive steps to maintain purity in thought and action.

Value Childlike Faith
Approach God with the simplicity and trust of a child, recognizing our dependence on Him.1. Jesus
Central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as the teacher and miracle worker. He is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and later heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is used, which is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

2. Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter witnesses the Transfiguration and suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. His name in Greek is "Πέτρος" (Petros), meaning "rock."

3. James
Another of Jesus' close disciples, James is present at the Transfiguration. He is the son of Zebedee and brother of John. His Greek name is "Ἰάκωβος" (Iakōbos), equivalent to the Hebrew "Yaakov."

4. John
The brother of James and one of the three disciples who witness the Transfiguration. John is also known for his close relationship with Jesus. His Greek name is "Ἰωάννης" (Iōannēs), derived from the Hebrew "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

5. Elijah
A prophet from the Old Testament who appears during the Transfiguration, conversing with Jesus. His presence signifies the fulfillment of prophecy. The Greek name "Ἠλίας" (Ēlias) corresponds to the Hebrew "Eliyahu," meaning "My God is Yahweh."

6. Moses
Another key figure from the Old Testament, Moses appears alongside Elijah during the Transfiguration. He represents the Law. His Greek name is "Μωϋσῆς" (Mōusēs), derived from the Hebrew "Moshe."

7. The Father of the Boy
A man who brings his son, possessed by an impure spirit, to Jesus for healing. He expresses both faith and doubt, famously saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

8. The Boy
The son of the aforementioned father, who is afflicted by a spirit that causes seizures. Jesus heals him, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits.

9. The Disciples
While not all are named individually in this chapter, the group of Jesus' followers is present, struggling to cast out the spirit from the boy before Jesus intervenes.

10. The Crowd
A group of people who gather around Jesus and the disciples, witnessing the events and miracles. They are often depicted as being amazed by Jesus' teachings and works.1. Mount of Transfiguration
While the specific name of the mountain is not mentioned in Mark 9, it is traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon. This is where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, revealing His divine glory. The Greek term used for "transfigured" is "μετεμορφώθη" (metemorphōthē), indicating a transformation in appearance.

2. Capernaum
Mark 9:33 mentions Capernaum as the place where Jesus and His disciples arrived after traveling. Capernaum served as a central location for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. It was here that Jesus taught His disciples about humility and servanthood, emphasizing the importance of being "last of all and servant of all."1. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, and Elijah and Moses appear, talking with Jesus. A cloud overshadows them, and a voice from the cloud says, "This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!" (Mark 9:7). The Greek word for "transfigured" is "μετεμορφώθη" (metemorphōthē), indicating a transformation in appearance.

2. Discussion about Elijah (Mark 9:9-13)
As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs the disciples to tell no one about the vision until after His resurrection. They question Him about the scribes' teaching that Elijah must come first. Jesus explains that Elijah has indeed come, referring to John the Baptist, and that the Son of Man must suffer.

3. Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit (Mark 9:14-29)
Upon returning to the other disciples, Jesus finds them in a dispute with the scribes. A man from the crowd explains that his son is possessed by a spirit that causes seizures. The disciples were unable to cast it out. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, and the boy is healed. Jesus later tells the disciples that this kind of spirit can only come out by prayer.

4. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Mark 9:30-32)
Traveling through Galilee, Jesus teaches His disciples that the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, killed, and will rise after three days. The disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask Him.

5. The Greatest in the Kingdom (Mark 9:33-37)
In Capernaum, Jesus asks the disciples what they were arguing about on the road. They had been discussing who among them was the greatest. Jesus teaches them that to be first, one must be last and servant of all. He places a child among them, saying, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me" (Mark 9:37).

6. Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us (Mark 9:38-41)
John tells Jesus they saw someone casting out demons in His name and tried to stop him because he was not one of them. Jesus responds, "Do not stop him... For whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:39-40).

7. Warnings about Temptation (Mark 9:42-50)
Jesus warns about causing others to sin, emphasizing the severity of sin and the need for radical action to avoid it. He uses hyperbolic language, such as cutting off a hand or foot if it causes one to sin, to illustrate the seriousness of avoiding sin. He concludes with a teaching on being "salted with fire" and maintaining peace with one another.Matthew 17:1-13
Another account of the Transfiguration, providing additional insights into this pivotal event.

Hebrews 11:1
A definition of faith that complements Jesus' teaching on belief in Mark 9.

Philippians 2:3-8
A call to humility and service, echoing Jesus' teaching on true greatness.

Romans 6:12-14
An exhortation to resist sin and live under God's grace. Praise God for His Glory
Thank God for revealing His glory through Jesus and for the hope we have in Him.
Ask for Increased Faith
Pray for a deeper, unwavering faith that trusts in God's power and promises.
Seek Humility and Service
Request a heart that seeks to serve others and reflects Christ's humility.
Protection from Sin
Pray for strength and wisdom to avoid sin and live a life that honors God.

As we reflect on Mark 9, may we be inspired to live lives of faith, humility, and service, ever mindful of the glory and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. How does the Transfiguration of Jesus deepen your understanding of His divine identity?

2. How do you relate to the father's statement, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"?

3. Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the unclean spirit from the boy?

4. How does Jesus' second prediction of His death and resurrection build on the first one mentioned in Mark 8?

5. How do you understand Jesus' teaching about true greatness and servanthood?

6. What steps can you take to cultivate a servant-hearted lifestyle?

7. How does Jesus' warning against causing others to sin influence your interactions with others?

8. How can we foster a peaceful community, as Jesus encourages in verse 50?

9. What can you learn from the disciples' misunderstanding and fear regarding Jesus' prediction of His death?

10. What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing during the Transfiguration?

11. How do the themes of faith and unbelief play out in your own life?

12. How do you interpret Jesus' teachings on the consequences of sin?

13. Why do you think Jesus used a child to illustrate His point about greatness in the kingdom of God?

14. How can you apply the lesson of the father's desperate faith in your current life circumstances?

15. In what ways does our culture's understanding of greatness differ from Jesus' teachings?

16. How might the disciples' fear and lack of understanding of Jesus' prediction affect their faith?

17. How does the Transfiguration event provide insight into the nature of God's kingdom?

18. What steps can you take to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith journey?

19. How can Jesus' teachings on servanthood transform your understanding of leadership?

20. How does the concept of sacrificial service challenge your current understanding of success and achievement?