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Mark Chapter
Nine
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Example and
Teachings of the Bondman the Savior to the Disciples
A. His climbing up to the high mountain signified the glory of the kingdom of God
(v.1-8);
B. To explain Elijah by John the Baptist
(v.9-13);
C. He showed and taught the disciples how to
cast off the demons (v.14-29);
D. He prophesied again that He would be
suffered (v.30-32);
E. He took the opportunity to teach the
disciples to serve one another humbly (v.33-37);
F. He took the opportunity to teach the disciples
to have peace
with one another (v.38-50);
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Mark. 9:1 “And He said to them
"Assuredly
I say to you that there are some standing here who will not
taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." ”
YLT: “And he said to them
`Verily I say to you
That there
are certain of those standing here
who may not taste of death till they see
the reign of God having come in power.'”
Literal Meaning: “who will not taste death”
before one’s departure from the world;
“They see the kingdom of God present with
power”
literally speaking
it was fulfilled in this chapter
verse 2 to verse
8 ---- the experience in the mountain (see Matt.17:1-8).
Enlightenment in the Word: though he that overcomes
will abundantly experience the glory of the kingdom of God in the coming age
he can also foretaste the glory in this age.
Mark. 9:2 “Now after six days Jesus
took Peter
James
and John
and led them up on a high mountain apart by
themselves; and He was transfigured before them.”
YLT: “And after six days doth Jesus take Peter
and James
and John
and bringeth them up to a high mount by themselves
alone
and he was
transfigured before them
”
Literal
Meaning:
“after six days”
it was counted from the day on which Peter confessed Jesus as
Christ (see 8:29) to this day when they climbed up to the mountain
and there
were six days between them. In the Gospel of Luke
the first day and the last
day were counted
and there were “about eight days” (see Luke. 9:28).
“Led them up on a high mountain”
at
that time
they were in the region of Caesarea Philippi (see 8:27)
so the high
mountain might be “the Mount Hermon” (see Deut. 3:8-9
Ps. 133:3).
“He was transfigured before them.” ----
They saw the Lord was transfigured before them with their physical eyes and in
their sober condition
and it was not an illusion (see 2Pet.1:16; 1John1:1).
Spiritual
Meaning: “after six days
” the old creation was created in six
days (see Gen. 1). Therefore “after six days” symbolized in the new creation.
“Peter
James
and John his brother
”
they represented overcomers among the believers in the New Testament.
“Led them
up on a high mountain by themselves”
“by themselves”
it symbolize that only
overcomers are able to see the glory of the kingdom. “A high mountain”
symbolizes the heavenly realm.
“He was transfigured before them.”
---- It foreshows the glorious image when the Lord comes again (see 2Cor.
3:18). He will no longer be neither hidden nor humble in humanity but manifest
imperfectly.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
We
have to live in the new creation (“after six days”) and in the heavenly realm
(“up on a high mountain”) so that we can see the manifestation of the Lord’s
glory.
2)
Only
a few people who love the Lord with pure heart (Peter
James and John) and
enter into the “chamber” to live before the Father who is in secret (see Matt.
6:6) will be led by Him secretly (“led…up on a high mountain by themselves”)
and thus they can partake in the glory of the kingdom.
3)
One
day
we will be transformed according to the same image from glory to glory
even as by Lord Spirit (2Cor. 3:18).
4)
When
the Lord shall come to be gloried in His saints
and to be admired in all them
that believe (2Thess. 1:10).
Mark. 9:3 “His clothes became shining
exceedingly white
like snow
such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.”
YLT: “and his garments became glittering
white exceedingly
as snow
so as a fuller upon the earth is not able to whiten.”
Spiritual
Meaning:
“his clothes became shining
exceedingly white”
“clothes” refer to walking; It
indicates that what the Lord does in the kingdom of God is bright
white and
exceeding glorious.
Mark. 9:4 “And Elijah appeared to them
with Moses
and they were talking with Jesus.”
YLT: “And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses
and they
were talking with Jesus.”
The
Background:
Elijah went up into heaven without passing through death (see 2Kings. 2:11).
Though Moses died in the land of Moab
nobody knew where his tomb was (see
Deut. 34:5-6). Moreover
Michael the archangel disputed the body of Moses with
the devil (see Jude. 9)
implying that God kept his body and would make him
rise with the original appearance. Therefore these two persons were probably
“the two witnesses” used by God before the coming of the kingdom of a thousand
years (see Rev. 11:3-12).
Literal
Meaning:
“talking with Him”
they were talking about that He was about to be killed in
Jerusalem (see Luke. 9:31).
Spiritual
Meaning:
“Moses and Elijah
” “Elijah” here is the type of prophets who speak for God. “Moses”
here represents the law
namely
the words written by God. The prophets and the
law both bear witness of Christ.
Since “Elijah” had not died and
therefore he might represent overcomers who were caught up when they live.
“Moses” had died
so he might represent overcomers who die and has been raised
again.
Mark. 9:5 “Then Peter answered and
said to Jesus
"Rabbi
it is good for us to be here; and let us make three
tabernacles: one for You
one for Moses
and one for Elijah"--”
YLT: “And Peter answering saith to Jesus
`Rabbi
it is good
to us to be here; and we may make three booths
for thee one
and for Moses
one
and for Elijah one:'”
Literal
Meaning:
“it is good for us to be here”
“Rabbi” means teacher in the original; “good”
the degree of goodness can only be understood by those who are personally on
the scene.
“Let us make three
tabernacles”
it showed that Peter deeply expected to stay in the vision and
the realm of the kingdom for long
but forgot the Lord had just said “the Son
of man must suffer many things” (see 8:31).
“One for you
one for Moses
and one for
Elijah”
Peter’s words showed that he took the Lord Jesus as well as Moses and
Elijah as equal.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“It
is good for us to be here”
yes
the best thing for those who have believed the
Lord is the manifestation of the Lord’s glory in their deep spirit. When He
reveals to us
we will find “it is good”.
2)
“Let
us make here three tabernacles”
it showed that Peter not only wanted to keep
“Christ” but also kept all the persons and things concerning Christ. He had
held them high even to the same position with Christ. This is a mistake that
Christians usually make.
3)
“Let
us make here three tabernacles”
it also shows that someone only wants to stay
in the state of glory and blessing on the mountain and does not want to go down
the mountain to face sufferings and take up his cross. However
through many
tribulations
we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts. 14:22).
4)
The
law and prophets existed in order to guide men to know Christ. Though they were
very important
they could not be treated equal with Christ because they were
only a shadow and the body is Christ (see Col. 2:17).
5)
In
the kingdom of God
any ceremony
regulation (the law) and spiritual giant (the
prophet) is unworthy of being put on an equal position with Christ.
6)
Though
Moses and Elijah were the most respected characters by Israel
they could still
not be comparable with the Lord. Any spiritual giant or religious leader is
unworthy of sharing the honor of Christ. Our Lord is the lord of lords
the
king of kings. Only He is worthy of being solely glorified.
7)
Works
and labor (what Moses stands for)
and faith and power (what Elijah stands for)
cannot be compared with the Lord Himself. We should let Him have the first
place in all things (Col. 1:18).
Mark. 9:6 “because he did not know
what to say
for they were greatly afraid.”
YLT: “for he was not knowing what he might say
for they were
greatly afraid.”
Literal
Meaning:
“Peter did not know what to say”
the vision on the mountain impressed Peter
very much and produced great effect on the service in his life time (see
2Pet.1:16-18). But his spiritual knowledge was still not very mature
so he
said wrong words and could express his feeling properly.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
We
should be careful in our speech
but not speak at a venture.
2)
Only
spiritual revelation is able to overthrow the silly fervency and make men truly
fear God (“they were greatly afraid”).
Mark. 9:7 “And a cloud came and
overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud
saying
"This is My
beloved Son. Hear Him!" ”
YLT: “And there came a cloud overshadowing them
and there
came a voice out of the cloud
saying
`This is My Son -- the Beloved
hear ye
him;'”
Literal
Meaning:
“a voice came out of the cloud”
“voice” refers to the voice of God. “Cloud”
usually brings about the protection and guidance of God (see Ex. 16:10; 19:9;
24:15-18; 33:9-10). God here broke the words of Peter with a voice and
corrected his wrong concept.
“This is My beloved Son
in whom I am
well pleased.” ---- This was the Father’s praise to Jesus (see Ps.2:7;
Gen.22:2). When Jesus was baptized
the Father said the same word (see Matt.
3:17) and praised the life of Jesus in the past thirty years that satisfied the
will of the Father. Here He praised His “works” in the past three years that
also satisfied the will of the Father.
“Hear Him!” ---- Only those who “hear
His words” are worthy of receiving the honorable status. Any words of men can
not be comparable with His words.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Sometimes
our life on the earth is unavoidably be covered by black clouds. However
in
the heavenly kingdom in the future
every cloud is bright.
2)
Only
the Lord is the only-begotten Son
who is in the bosom of the Father (John.
1:18). Only He deeply knows the will of the Father and therefore we should
“hear Him”. God likes us to honor and love Him only instead of hearing others.
3)
Only
those who “have heard” the voice of God will have true knowledge of the Lord.
4)
In
the times of the New Testament
we should neither hear outward regulations and
traditions (the law) nor spiritual giants (the prophets)
but hear the Lord who
dwells in us.
5)
Believers
always like to “talk about” Him and seldom “hear” Him.
6)
He
who really “hears” the Lord must obey His words. Only hearing the Lord’s word
submissively is hearing it really (see James 1:22-25).
Mark. 9:8 “Suddenly
when they had
looked around
they saw no one anymore
but only Jesus with themselves.”
YLT: “and suddenly
having looked around
they saw no one any
more
but Jesus only with themselves.”
Literal
Meaning:
this verse referred to the whole circumstance the disciples had seen in silence
after the voice came out of the cloud ceased
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Every
spiritual person and thing help us to find Christ only
and they themselves do
not have everlasting value.
2)
Those
who truly have spiritual sights “see no one but Jesus only”.
3)
Spiritual
progress will be received by shifting our eyes from persons and things outside
of the Lord to the Lord Himself only.
Mark. 9:9 “Now as they came down from
the mountain
He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they
had seen
till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”
YLT: “And as they are coming down from the mount
he charged
them that they may declare to no one the things that they saw
except when the
Son of Man may rise out of the dead;”
Literal
Meaning:
after the Lord’s resurrection
the disciples would tell their experience in the
mountain to others in order to witness the Lord’s Person. However
it had no
good to tell it to others before His resurrection.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
We
should not tell the vision on the mountain to others as ourselves please at the
foot of the mountain (i.e. this time)
because: (a) the time has not come. (b)
Only those who have received the Lord’s living life are able to understand
talk about and enter into the reality of the vision (see 1Cor. 2:10-15).
2)
We
should not tell to the public what we have seen in secret without any control
until the right time.
3)
Believers
should learn from the example of the Lord Jesus to speak and walk ------if the
time has not come
we should say and do nothing (see John. 7:6).
Mark. 9:10 “So they kept this word to
themselves
questioning what the rising from the dead meant.”
YLT: “and the thing they kept to themselves
questioning
together what the rising out of the dead is.”
Literal
Meaning:
the disciples did not really know what the rising from the dead meant. What
they were confused was why the powerful Messiah had to firstly be suffered and
dead and rise later.
Mark. 9:11 “And they asked Him
saying
"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
”
YLT: “And they were questioning him
saying
that the scribes
say that Elijah it behoveth to come first.”
Literal
Meaning:
“why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ---- “Scribes” were
familiar with the Old Testament. They
according to the Bible
concluded that
in the end of the world
Elijah will come before the Messiah comes (see Mal.
4:5).
That the disciples asked
this question probably might because: (a) they had just seen Elijah on the
mountain. (2) They had seen that Jesus was transfigured before them and firmly
believed that He is the Messiah that shall come. Then they asked Him why Elijah
did not come before Jesus.
Mark. 9:12 “Then He answered and told
them
"Indeed
Elijah is coming first and restores all
things. And how is it written concerning the Son of
Man
that He must suffer
many things and be treated with contempt? ”
YLT: “And he answering said to them
`Elijah indeed
having
come first
doth restore all things; and how hath it been written concerning
the Son of Man
that many things he may suffer
and be set at nought?”
Literal
Meaning:
“Indeed
Elijah is coming first and restores all things.” ---- “Elijah is
coming first”
it meant that the scribes’ words that that Elijah would come
first before the last day was right. “Restores all things”
it referred to
paving the way for the coming of the Messiah (see Mal. 4:5-6; Rev. 11:3-4).
The Lord’s meant that John the Baptist
typified Elijah
coming to the world and paving the way for the Lord (see Luke
1:17)
but no one knew him.
“And how is it written concerning the
Son of Man
that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?” ----
The Lord indicated that the Scriptures not only mentioned Elijah would come
again but also the matter of “the Son of men” the Messiah (see Dan.7:13). Even
that how men would treat Him was also prophesied in the Scriptures. Just as
John the Baptist came
the Jews did to him whatever they wished for not knowing
him (see v.13). The Jews also despised
rejected and persecuted Him and made
Him suffer much because of not knowing Him (see Is.53).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
more we know Christ
the more will we honor Him and enjoy the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (see Phil. 3:8).
2)
All
those who do not have sufficient knowledge about spiritual things will be
persecutors of the Lord and the Lord’s witnesses.
3)
The
way of the Lord’s servant is “suffering many things and being treated with
contempt”. The way of the Lord’s forerunner was “being done whatever men
wished” (see v.13). None of those who walk in the way of the Lord can make any
exception.
Mark. 9:13 “But I say to you that
Elijah has also come
and they did to him whatever they
wished
as it is written of him." ”
YLT: “But I say to you
That also Elijah hath come
and they
did to him what they willed
as it hath been written of him.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“Elijah has come already.” ---- The Lord here meant that the prophecy of Elijah’s coming in the Old Testament had
been partially fulfilled in John the Baptist before being fully fulfilled.
Therefore the spirit and power of John the Baptist is identical with what
Elijah will do in the future (see Matt. 11:14
Luke. 1:17).
“As it is written of him”
it referred
to the history recorded in the Scriptures that how Elijah was
randomly
treated by Ahab and Jezebel (see 1Kin. 19:1-10)
typifying that John the Baptist
would also be randomly done by Herod and Herodias (see 6:14-28).
Mark. 9:14 “And when He came to the disciples
He saw a great multitude around
them
and scribes disputing with them.”
YLT: “And having come unto the disciples
he saw a great
multitude about them
and scribes questioning with them
”
Literal
Meaning:
“Jesus came to the disciples”
“the disciples” referred to other nine disciples
except for Peter
James and John (see v.2).
“Scribes disputing with them”
the
scribes might be questioning the disciples about the power of casting off the
demons (see 3:22).
Mark. 9:15 “Immediately
when they saw
Him
all the people were greatly amazed
and running
to Him
greeted Him.”
YLT: “and immediately
all the multitude having seen him
were amazed
and running near
were saluting him.”
Literal
Meaning:
“all the people” referred to all the disciples and people who had believed (see
v.16-17).
“Were greatly amazed”
they might be
amazed that He came just when they mentioned Him.
Mark. 9:16“And He asked the scribes
"What are you discussing with them?" ”
YLT: “And he questioned the scribes
`What dispute ye with
them?'”
Literal
Meaning:
“What are you discussing with them?” ---- “You” referred to the disciples.
“Them” related to the scribes (see v.14).
Mark. 9:17 “Then one of the crowd
answered and said
"Teacher
I brought You my son
who
has a mute spirit.”
YLT: “and one out of the multitude answering said
`Teacher
I brought my son unto thee
having a dumb spirit;”
Literal
Meaning: “who
has a mute spirit”
probably after the son was prossessed by the demon
he
could no longer speak. Therefore
they judged that they demon was a mute
spirit.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
the control of the demon usually robbed believers’ power of speaking for the
Lord.
Mark. 9:18 “And wherever it seizes him
it throws him down; he foams at the mouth
gnashes his teeth
and becomes
rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples
that they should
cast it out
but they could not." ”
YLT: “and wherever it doth seize him
it doth tear him
and
he foameth
and gnasheth his teeth
and pineth away; and I spake to thy
disciples that they may cast it out
and they were not able.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“but they could not”
note that the Lord had ever given power to the disciple to
cast off the demons (see 3:15).
Spiritual
Meaning:
“I spoke to Your disciples”
“disciples” stood for we believers.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
demon always attacks men to make them unable to control themselves and lack
strength (“becomes rigid”).
2)
The
reason why the disciples could not cast out the devil was not the
ineffectiveness of power given by the Lord but their powerlessness of using the
power properly. If the spiritual state of believers falls behind
the effect of
the spiritual power will be restrained.
3)
Many
times
when men encounter difficulties
they do not ask the Lord for help but
spiritual men (“disciples”) and consequently the difficulties still exist.
4)
“But
they could not”
believers have heavenly power to cast off the demons (see 16:17).
However
in our life
we actually often have failing experience.
Mark. 9:19 “He answered him and said
"O faithless generation
how long shall I be with
you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." ”
YLT: “And he answering him
said
`O generation unbelieving
till when shall I be with you? till when shall I suffer you? bring him unto
me;'”
Meaning
of Words: “faithless”:
no faith.
Literal
Meaning:
“O faithless generation”
“faithless”
it showed that men had no faith toward
the power of the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
What
mostly hurts the Lord (“how long shall I bear with you?”) is the evil heart of
unbelief (see Heb. 3:12).
2)
The
Lord’s signing words showed that the reason why the disciples could not cure
him was that when the Lord was not with them in the flesh
they forgot to draw
the Lord’s presence in spirit (see 1Cor. 5:3) but tried to cast out the demon
through themselves. And consequently it resulted in failure.
Mark. 9:20 “Then they brought him to
Him. And when he saw Him
immediately the spirit convulsed
him
and he fell on the ground and wallowed
foaming at the mouth. ”
YLT: “and they brought him unto him
and he having seen him
immediately the spirit tare him
and he
having fallen upon the earth
was
wallowing -- foaming.”
Literal
Meaning:
“immediately the spirit convulsed him”
“convulsed”
it referred to the jerk
and cramp of one’s body without control.
Mark. 9:21 “So He asked his father
"How long has this been happening to him?" And he said
"From
childhood.”
YLT: “And he questioned his father
`How long time is it
since this came to him?' and he said
`From childhood
”
Literal
Meaning:
the Lord here even put aside the child who was suffered by the demon and talked
with the father
intending to bring him into the state of having faith (see
v.23-24).
Mark. 9:22 “And often he has thrown him
both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do
anything
have compassion on us and help us." ”
YLT: “and many times also it cast him into fire
and into
water
that it might destroy him; but if thou art able to do anything
help us
having compassion on us.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“if You can do anything”
it indicated that he suspected whether the Lord
“could do or not”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“And
often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him.”
---- The demon often makes men in an unstable condition and hurt them.
2)
All
the opinions and actions of self-satisfaction and self-conceit (“cast off the
fire”) as well as self-reproach and self- dejection (water) come from the
devil.
3)
The
son’s father doubted the Lord and also asked the Lord
representing the
attitude of many believers when they asked the Lord. Often we seem to believe
Him but are not sure He must do something for us.
Mark. 9:23 “Jesus said to him
"If you can believe
all things are possible to him who
believes." ”
YLT: “And Jesus said to him
`If thou art able to believe!
all things are possible to the one that is believing;'”
Literal
Meaning:
“if you can believe”
there was not the word “believe” in many ole scriptures
but only the three words “if you can”
which was gramatically incomplete.
Therefore
the Lord seemed to quote the father’s words in the previous verse
(v.22) and contained a reproving tone
reproching him that how could you say
the words “if you can” to Him ---- which meant that “the problem did not lie in
my power
but your faith”.
“All things are possible to him who
believes”
“believe” means believing God and letting God work
for there is
nothing too wonderful to Him (Gen. 18:14).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
full Christ has infinite power. The problem does not lie in His “power” but our
“faith” ---- the knowledge about the Lord.
2)
The
signs do not only build upon the almightiness of God
but also the faith of
men. Men should believe Him with whole heart so that His works cannot be
restricted.
3)
“All
things are possible to him who believes”
true faith
even as small as a grain
of mustard
is great enough to accomplish great things (Matt. 17:20).
4)
Believers
can neither be united with the Lord unto one nor appropriate His power because
of unbelief.
5)
Though
our faith is small
it is able to draw the power of kingdom. Therefore
there
is nothing we cannot do
and there is no difficulity that we cannot overcome.
Mark. 9:24 “Immediately the father of
the child cried out and said with tears
"Lord
I believe; help my unbelief!" ”
YLT: “and immediately the father of the child
having cried
out
with tears said
`I believe
sir; be helping mine unbelief.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“my unbelief”
the problem of faith does not lie in the measure of it
but that
whether one has it or not (see Matt.17:20). Therefore
there are two meanings
of “unbelief”: (a) one seems to believe but does not believe actually
and one
does not seem to believe but believes actually; (b) one believes sometimes
and
sometimes doubts
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
“Help
my unbelief!” ---- It indicated that He was willing to believe but such faith
was not out of him
so he needed the Lord’s help. Because faith does not out of
ourselves
but is gifted by God (see Eph. 2:8).
2)
We
shall look steadfastly on Jesus
the leader and completer of faith (Heb. 12:2).
3)
That
many prayers of us have not been answered is because of our unbelief.
Therefore
we shall ask the Lord to increase our faith firstly
and then we can
ask the Lord to help us to solve our problems.
4)
The
fullness of Christ can be enjoyed according to our knowledge of Him ----
“faith”
but such knowledge about the revelation of Christ is not out of natural
men
but is due to the mercy and gift of God.
Mark. 9:25 “When Jesus saw that the
people came running together
He rebuked the unclean spirit
saying to it
"Deaf and dumb spirit
I command you
come out of him and enter him no
more!" ”
YLT: “Jesus having seen that a multitude doth run together
rebuked the unclean spirit
saying to it
`Spirit -- dumb and deaf -- I charge
thee
come forth out of him
and no more thou mayest enter into him;'”
Meaning
of Words: “rebuke”:
reproach
blame;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
When
the Lord Jesus and His disciples were on the mountain
everything is bright and
pure (see v.3). However
as they came down from the mountain
in the practical
life circumstance
there was the problem of dark power (the unclean spirit).
2)
One
shall not be too gentle when dealing with the devil
but apply the heavenly
authority it rebuke it and it will escape.
3)
The
sickness of that child was resulted from the devil. When the devil was cast
off
the child was recovered. When we pray for being healed
we shall have
spiritual judgment to discern whether the disease id natural or supernatural.
Mark. 9:26 “Then the spirit cried out
convulsed him greatly
and came out of him. And he became as one dead
so that
many said
"He is dead." ”
YLT: “and having cried
and rent him much
it came forth
and
he became as dead
so that many said that he was dead
”
Mark. 9:27 “But Jesus took him by the
hand and lifted him up
and he arose.”
YLT: “but Jesus
having taken him by the hand
lifted him up
and he arose.”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
we shall life up those who have just believed the Lord
so that they can stand
firmly in the faith they have believed.
Mark. 9:28 “And when He had come into
the house
His disciples asked Him privately
"Why could we not cast it
out?" ”
YLT: “And he having come into the house
his disciples were
questioning him by himself -- `Why were we not able to cast it forth?'”
Literal
Meaning:
“His disciples asked Him privately”
“privately” refers to inquiring “in
secret”.
“"Why could we not
cast it out?"” ---- The word “we” was emphatic in the original.
Mark. 9:29 “So He said to them
"This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." ”
YLT: “And he said to them
`This kind is able to come forth
with nothing except with prayer and fasting.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“but prayer”
it indicated that the disciples had not prayed when they cast off
the demon. The disciples might believe they have already had the power of
casting off the demon (see 3:15)
so they thought they could cast off the demon
at any time through themselves
but forgot the power of casting off the demon
was out of God.
Spiritual
Meaning:
“but prayer and fasting”
“prayer” means trusting in God. “Fasting” is to show
one’s complete resolution of confidence in God by giving up one’s lawful right
and exacting the price. The effect of “fasting” is not due to the act of
fasting
but the determination and attitude of “fasting” (see Matt. 6:16-18)
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Prayer
and fasting are works of faith (James. 2:26)
through which believers usually
gain the effectiveness of faith.
2)
The
secret of the power of dealing with the enemy is our faith (“prayer”) and
self-denying (“fasting”).
3)
It
needs to pay the price of being the Lord’s disciples (see 8:34). Only those
who are willing to pay the cost of prayer and rely on and wait for God with
whole heart
can overcome the demon.
Mark. 9:30 “Then they departed from
there and passed through Galilee
and He did not want anyone to know it.”
YLT: “And having gone forth thence
they were passing through
Galilee
and he did not wish that any may know
”
Literal
Meaning:
“passed through Galilee”
it referred to the period just before they followed
the Lord to go to the Lord’s last stage of journey to Jerusalem (see v.10:1
32).
Mark. 9:31 “For He taught His disciples
and said to them
"The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men
and they will kill Him. And after He is killed
He will rise the third
day." ”
YLT: “for he was teaching his disciples
and he said to them
`The Son of Man is being delivered to the hands of men
and they shall kill
him
and having been killed the third day he shall rise
'”
Literal
Meaning:
the Lord Jesus again foretold that He would be killed and would rise
but the
disciples still could not understand His words at all.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
The
one who is manifested as the incomparably glorious king in vision even “is
about to be betrayed into the hands of men”
showing that one has to suffer
before gaining in the glory (see 1Pet. 5:1).
2)
If
indeed we suffer with Him
that we may also be gloried together (Rom. 8:17).
3)
Before
the complete fulfillment of the glorious vision
one has to first go through
the way of the cross. Only those who have experienced the cross will partake in
the reality of the glorious vision.
4)
The
cross referred to the Lord’s being put in dead place
but not being kept in
dead place
and rising in the third day. It is a faithful saying ---- for if we
be dead with Him
we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11; see 2Cor. 4:10-14).
5)
The
reason why the disciples were sorrowful was that they only remembered that the
Lord would be killed and forgot that He would be raised up. Those who lack the
revelation of resurrection have hope in this life only (see 1Cor. 15:19). They
have no heavenly hope and therefore he is mortally afraid of death.
6)
All
those who have no hope of resurrection are unable to receive the cross with
joy.
Mark. 9:32 “But they did not understand
this saying
and were afraid to ask Him.”
YLT: “but they were not understanding the saying
and they
were afraid to question him.”
Mark. 9:33 “Then He came to Capernaum.
And when He was in the house He asked them
"What was it you disputed
among yourselves on the road?" ”
YLT: “And he came to Capernaum
and being in the house
he
was questioning them
`What were ye reasoning in the way among yourselves?'”
Mark. 9:34 “But they kept silent
for
on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.”
YLT: “and they were silent
for with one another they did
reason in the way who is greater;”
Literal
Meaning:
“they kept silent”
it was sure that what they disputed could not be known by
Him
so they felt so embarrassed they could only keep silent.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
It
is not only men in the world dispute who is the greatest but also believers in
the church also have this trouble.
2)
The
inclination of desiring to be first comes from the old life of Adam. The
problem can only be solved by living in the new spiritual life.
Mark. 9:35 “And He sat down
called the
twelve
and said to them
"If anyone desires to be first
he shall be last
of all and servant of all." ”
YLT: “and having sat down he called the twelve
and he saith
to them
`If any doth will to be first
he shall be last of all
and minister
of all.'”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
in the church
only those who are willing to humble themselves to serve others
are real spiritual leaders.
Mark. 9:36 “Then He took a little child
and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms
He
said to them
”
YLT: “And having taken a child
he set him in the midst of
them
and having taken him in his arms
said to them
”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
A
child thinks that he has nothing to boast and therefore his humbleness is
sincere and true. All those who admit that they are nothing and have nothing
and live by relying on God’s mercy and grace are the first in the kingdom of
heaven.
2)
The
Lord humbled Himself and therefore He was highly exalted by God (Pill. 2:8-9).
The principle in spiritual realm is that he who humbles himself shall be
exalted (see Luke. 18:14).
3)
The
humbler a man is
the more he is able to be reigned by God and the greater he
is in the kingdom of heaven.
4)
A
child is easy to be satisfied with the status before his eyes without any sense
of laboring or suffering loss.
Mark. 9:37 “"Whoever receives one
of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me
receives not Me but Him who sent Me." ”
YLT: “`Whoever may receive one of such children in my name
doth receive me
and whoever may receive me
doth not receive me
but Him who
sent me.'”
Literal
Meaning:
“receives…in My name”
there are three meanings of “in My name”: a) for the
sale of glorifying the name of the Lord; b) for the sake of the Lord Himself;
c) according to the fact that the counterpart is of the Lord. “Receive”:
welcome
be concerned about
accept willingly.
“Whoever receives one little child like
this receives Me.” ---- “Little child” relates to believers who are spiritually
naive and weak. Grown-ups always dislike the childishness
ignorance and
troubles of children. Only those who turn themselves to little children are
glad to receive those who are children in mind (see 1Cor. 13:11
14:20). This
kind of reception shall be remembered by the Lord (see Matt. 10:42
25:40).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
We
should love not only Christ and all the saints as well.
2)
In
the sight of the Lord
our attitudes towards men show also that towards the
Lord Himself (see Matt. 10:40).
Mark. 9:38 “Now John answered Him
saying
"Teacher
we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons
in Your name
and we forbade him because he does not follow us." ”
YLT: “And John did answer him
saying
`Teacher
we saw a
certain one in thy name casting out demons
who doth not follow us
and we
forbade him
because he doth not follow us.'”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
In
the service of the Lord
we shall not care about whether others “follow us” or
not ---- according to our methods
being the same with our tones
in compliance
with our customs … and etc.
2)
“We
forbade him because he does not follow us”. ---- Such narrow concept and
practice often came up in the history of the church. In many organizations in
the church
provided that there is someone who is unwilling to follow the
leaders’ idea or view
they will forbid him
thus causing divisions.
Mark. 9:39 “But Jesus said
"Do
not forbid him
for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward
speak evil of Me. ”
YLT: “And Jesus said
`Forbid him not
for there is no one
who shall do a mighty work in my name
and shall be able readily to speak evil
of me:”
Literal
Meaning:
apparently
the bosom of the Lord Jesus was not as narrow as the disciples.
What the Lord really cared for was whether men had really glorified Him
not
following Him apparently.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
what the multitudes focus on is whether it is identical in appearance or in
form ---- “follow us” (v.38). However
what the Lord really emphasizes is
whether there is the reality of Christ inside ---- “in My name”.
Mark. 9:40 “For he who is not against
us is on our side.”
YLT: “for he who is not against us is for us;”
Literal
Meaning:
he who shares hatred against the enemy with us is profitable unto us.
Controversial
Clarification: the
Lord’s question in this verse seems to be contradictory to the verse in the
Book of Matthew ---- He who is not with Me is against Me
and he who does not
gather with Me scatters abroad (Matt. 12:30). But actually this is not so. The
Lord’s meaning in the Book of Matthew is that we believers are the same “in
faith” and hold the same attitude towards “our enemy”. However
here
the Lord
means that we believers may have different ways in “practice” and all “the
fellow-workers” may have their own features
who shall accept each other.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
We
believers shall not form our own groups to refuse those who are not the same
with us.
2)
Admittedly
we shall be strong to the enemy
but shall be gentle to believers.
Mark. 9:41 “For whoever gives you a cup
of water to drink in My name
because you belong to Christ
assuredly
I say to
you
he will by no means lose his reward.”
YLT: “for whoever may give you to drink a cup of water in my
name
because ye are Christ's
verily I say to you
he may not lose his
reward;”
Literal
Meaning:
men’s only a little good works to believers shall be remembered by the Lord. It
indicates the oneness relation of believers with the Lord
and also that all
that we have devoted to the Lord will be rewarded.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
God
is not unrighteous that even forgets what we have done. Since God is righteous
He must punish the evil of sinners
and also reward the righteousness of
saints.
2)
The
Lord does not see the amount and measure of what we have done. As long as what
man has done is due to the fact that we “are of Christ”
he will be heavenly
rewarded.
3)
The
great Lord does not despise petty things. So we shall pay attention to be
faithful in trivial matters to the Lord instead of ignoring them.
Mark. 9:42 “"But whoever causes
one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble
it would be better for
him if a millstone were hung around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea. ”
YLT: “and whoever may cause to stumble one of the little ones
believing in me
better is it for him if a millstone is hanged about his neck
and he hath been cast into the sea.”
Literal
Meaning:
“whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble
” “Little
ones who believe in Me” indicate anyone of the believers. “To stumble”
it
indicates that one’s faith in the Lord is shaken so that he departs from the
righteous way and even commits sins.
“It would be better for him if a
millstone were hung around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.” ---- “A
millstone”
literally translated as “the millstone for the donkey to push”
is
much bigger than the common mill for house application (see Matt. 24:41)
so it
must be very heavy. If it were hung around one’s neck
he would not only be
drowned in the depth of the sea
but also be hard to emerge from the surface of the sea.
Spiritual
Meaning:
“it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck
and he
were drowned in the depth of the sea”
it indicates that this man causes others
to stumble because of his pride and hardened neck. The Lord here meant that
this kind of man who causes others to stumble is totally useless in the
assembly. It would be better to treat them as Gentiles (“he were thrown into
the sea”) and have no company with them (See 2Thess. 3:14)
lest they may
continually harm others.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Believers
in the assembly
should be men who are able to supply spiritual bread (“a
millstone”). However
if one may cause others to stumble
even though he is
spiritually talented
he is useless.
2)
A
millstone is able to help men grind grain for men’s existence. It is also able
to drown men into the depth of the sea and deprive the meaning of men’s
existence. Whether something is positive or negative depends on one’s own
spiritual state.
3)
The
Lord treated the matter of offending others very seriously. Though believers
who offend others shall not lose the eternal life
they must suffer great
losses in the kingdom.
4)
The
matter of offending others
whether it is on purpose or not
is unavoidable in
the assembly. However if it is possible
we have to be careful and try to avoid
such matters.
5)
The
main reason for offending others or being offended by others lies in pride. A
proud man either offends others or is offended by others.
Mark. 9:43 “If your hand causes you to
sin
cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed
rather than
having two hands
to go to hell
into the fire that shall never be quenched--”
YLT: “`And if thy hand may cause thee to stumble
cut it off; it
is better for thee maimed to enter into the life
than having the two hands
to
go away to the gehenna
to the fire -- the unquenchable --”
The
Background:
“hell”
a word comes from the Hebrew word Gehenna
was the name of a ravine
outside of the city of Jerusalem. In the old days
it was also named “the son
of Hinnom” (Josh. 18:16)
which was the place that the Gentiles burnt their
children when worshipping Moloch (Jer. 7:31). Then the Jews changed it into
another place to burn bodies of sinners and unclean rubbish. Therefore
the
fire burnt all the time there. The Bible takes this background to describe the
punishment of the hell in future ---- the punishment of unquenchable fire.
Literal
Meaning:
“cut it off”
it uses the rhetorical devices of hyperbole
which shows that
violent actions should be adopted in order to solve the problems. The Lord did
not mean we had to cut off a hand.
“Into the fire that shall never be
quenched”
it referred to the eternal fire in hell (see Matt. 25:41).
Spiritual
Meaning:
“If your hand causes you to sin”
“hand” was the main tool for man to sin. The
Lord meant that we shall have the determination of deal with the sin and pay
all the cost to do with the motivation and reason of sin. “Cut off the hand”
means not yielding our members instruments of unrighteousness to sin (Rom.
6:13).
“Hand” symbolizes walking and works.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Many
times
man can overcome the sin through only the thorough “spiritual resection
operation”.
2)
Even
though the one who is as close as brothers seduce us into committing sins
we
shall immediately cut off the fellowship with him.
3)
A
man who makes others stumble may firstly stumble himself. If one does not cause
others to stumble
he must firstly not stumble himself.
4)
One
shall remove any element that may be stumbled at any cost rather than stick to
one’s own works and status with hardened heart (see Rom. 14:13
21).
5)
We
should take heed of doing with any matter that may make us stumble. It is
better to be done with and be deprived of the transient
physical and apparent
perfection by the Lord in this age
rather than suffer the eternal spiritual
loss of life.
Mark. 9:44 “where "Their worm does
not die And the fire is not quenched.' ”
YLT: “where there worm is not dying
and the fire is not
being quenched.”
Mark. 9:45 “And
if your foot causes you to sin
cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame
rather than having two feet
to be cast into hell
into the fire that shall
never be quenched--”
YLT: “`And if thy foot may cause thee to stumble
cut it off; it
is better for thee to enter into the life lame
than having the two feet to be
cast to the gehenna
to the fire -- the unquenchable --”
Spiritual
Meaning:
“foot” symbolizes status and way.
Mark. 9:46 “where "Their worm does
not die And the fire is not quenched.' ”
YLT: “where there worm is not dying
and the fire is not
being quenched.”
Mark. 9:47 “And
if your eye causes you to sin
pluck it out. It is better for
you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye
rather than having two eyes
to be cast into hell fire--”
YLT: “And if thine eye may cause thee to stumble
cast it
out; it is better for thee one-eyed to enter into the reign of God
than having
two eyes
to be cast to the gehenna of the fire --”
Literal
Meaning:
“and if your eye causes you to sin”
many sins of men are out of the lust of
eyes (1John 2:16).
“Pluck it out”
the Lord means that we
shall diligently deal with the factor causing us to sin
not pluck an eye
really. Because even though one pluck an eye out of him
he may still commit
sins. We shall not keep the Lord’s words from verse 43 to 47 literally.
“Be cast into hell fire”
“hell” is the
place where the evil men are punished forever.
Spiritual
Meaning:
“eye” symbolizes sight
view
the lust of the eyes
desire;
“Pluck an eye out”
it refers to putting
to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:13)
namely
members
that are upon the earth (Col. 3:5).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
If
one holds on his own idea
he shall offend himself and others. If he does not
deal with it
he will suffer spiritual losses (see 1Cor. 3:15).
2)
Pride
and contempt are the main reasons for stumbling others.
3)
Contempt
for others is the spirit of the world. But the spirit of the heavenly kingdom
is receiving the children (see v.37) and not making a little one stumble (see
v.42).
4)
If
our eyes despise others (see v.10)
we have to pluck them out (i.e. dealing
with them). The reason why men despise others is that they have not thought
soberly and have regarded of themselves more highly than they ought to think
(Rom. 12:3). Believers should be in lowliness of mind and each esteems the
others as more excellent than themselves (Pill. 2:3).
Mark. 9:48 “where "Their worm does
not die And the fire is not quenched.' ”
YLT: “where their worm is not dying
and the fire is not
being quenched;”
Literal
Meaning:
this verse was quoted from the Book of Isaiah (66:24)
where mentioned the
punishment for those who rebel against God
and it was a kind of endless pain.
This was also a picture of the eternal torment for those who go to hell.
Mark. 9:49 “"For
everyone will be seasoned with fire
and
every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”
YLT: “for every one with fire shall be salted
and every
sacrifice with salt shall be salted.”
Spiritual
Meaning:
“for everyone will be seasoned with fire”
salt has
the function of preservation. “Be seasoned with fire”
it indicates that the
fire of hell
like the salt
will preserve those who go to hell there to be
suffered forever.
“And every sacrifice will be seasoned
with salt.” ---- It quotes the offerings in the Old Testament that the
meat-offering should be seasoned with salt (see Lev.2:13)
showing that salt
has the function of preservation for long term.
This verse can also be comprehended from
a positive view. Every true believer is a “sacrifice” offered to God
and shall
be seasoned with salt (see Col. 4:6) so that the flavor of salt will be
manifested through us. For this sake
God “must make us be seasoned with fire”
and let us experience suffering
like the refining fire
removing the natural
part in us so that Christ will be manifested through us.
Mark. 9:50 “Salt is good
but if the
salt loses its flavor
how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves
and
have peace with one another." ”
YLT: “The salt good
but if the salt may become saltless
in
what will ye season ? Have in yourselves salt
and have peace in one another.'”
The
Background:
in the old days
most of the salt used in the land of Judaea and the Middle
East was “rock salt” or “well salt”. The salt was like stones as big as a fist
when it was just dug out from rock land or well. The stones were surrounded by
salt. When the Jews had dinners
they held food in their right hands and licked
the salt in their left hands to get a taste. Each of the family members had a
piece of salt in the kitchen. Everyone used his own salt when having dinners.
When the salty taste of the salt was reduced and finally lost
the piece of
salt would become a stone. These stones without salt would be abandoned and be
trampled underfoot by men.
In the ancient traditions
if a Jew had
betrayed his faith and then repented
before he was accepted and allowed to
return to the synagogue
he had to lay down at the gate of the synagogue and
ask those who entered into the synagogue to trample over him with their feet.
Some Christian groups also carried on this tradition. All those who had been
driven out according to the regulations of the assembly
before they were
accepted and allowed to return
are forced to lie down at the gate of the
church
saying
“Trample on me for I am the salt having lost its flavor.”
Literal Meaning: “you are the salt of the earth”
the
functions of salt are to flavor and to sterilize. We have dual functions on
earth:
1) To make peace;
2) To prevent and eliminate
the elements of sins and corruptions.
“If the salt loses its
flavor
how shall it be seasoned?” “The salt loses its flavor”
it symbolizes
that Christians have lost their function and act the same as the world. They
are not separated from the world.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Salt
has the function of flavoring and preservation. Christians
having the nature
of salt
are able to make men refreshing and prevent them sinning. The normal
Christians can reduce the improper things that would happen all around.
2)
Salt
can flavor but it only performs its function after being dissolved. In like
manner
we shall also firstly dissolve ourselves
sacrifice ourselves and loss
ourselves and then become blessings for others.
3)
The
aim of Christians of living in the world is not to gain from others
but to
dedicate something to others.
4)
Salt
can sterilize. Christians should be separated from the world and do not join in
the evil-doings of the world. Only by this way Christians could perform their
function of preventing morality from being ruined.
5)
It
is not enough for the children of God to possess the life of God only. This
life shall become our dispositions. To be “the salt” is not enough
and the
salt must be “salty” and that will be useful.
6)
Christians
are those who like Christ. The flavor of him is not of nature
but of Christ
just like the flavor of pickles comes from sauce. Wherever a Christian is
he
should manifest the life of Christ
sending out the flavor of Christ’s righteousness
love
light and holiness.
7)
Pure
salt can never lose its flavor. Therefore if Christians walk in this world
through the holy life inside them
they will naturally perform the functions of
“salt”.
8)
If
salt is mixed with dust
the salty flavor will not be manifested. If believers
love the world
get along with the world and are infected with sins
they will
surely lose their flavors and can not perform their functions to the world.
9)
Believers
“are” the salt on the earth rather than “become” the salt of earth. Our
functions in the world are manifested naturally instead of done reluctantly.
10)
Believers who have manifested the
function of salt concentrate their attention to manifest Christ on the earth
rather than seek their own profits. Therefore
they do not struggle with others
and will surely “be at peace with one another”.
11)
If we have lost Christ ---- the flavor of
“salt”
we shall only “be seasoned with fire as with salt” (v.49) so that we
will be salty again. Therefore
God usually uses terrible circumstance to do
the work of judgment by the cross so that the measure of Christ in us will be
enlarged.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The
Vision and Application of the Kingdom of God
A.
The Vision of the Kingdom of God:
1.
The microcosm of the Kingdom of God:
a. Overcomers
in the New Testament shall be manifested with the Lord in glory
(v.2).
b.
All of the Lord is bright and white (v.3).
c.Overcomers
in the Old Testament shall also have part in the kingdom (v.4).
2.
In the Kingdom of God
only the Lord should be exalted:
a.
Peter made the mistake of putting the
Lord’s law and prophet as an equal position (v.5).
b.
God the Father interrupted in Peter’s utterance and
instructed him to “hear the Lord” (v.7).
c.They saw no one anymore
but only Jesus with themselves (v.8).
B.
The Testimony and Way of the Vision of the Kingdom of
God:
1.
The testimony of the vision:
a.
One shall not tell the vision to others (v.9).
b.
Since
they did not know the testifier of the vision (John the Baptist) and the
central character (Christ)
they did to them whatever they wished (v.12-13).
2.
The way of the vision:
a.
One shall first experience the cross before the
fulfillment of the glorious vision (v.30-31).
b.
Those who are of the flesh do not know the cross (v.32).
C.
The Application of the Vision of the Kingdom of God:
1.
One shall appropriate the power of the kingdom of God by
faith:
a.
In the practical life at the foot of the mountain
there
is the power of darkness (v.14-17).
b.
The disciples failed in casting off the demon because of
relying themselves (v.18).
c.The
Lord said that the reason why they failed was their “unbelief” (v.19-27).
d.
They cannot cast off the demon without prayer or fasting
(v.28-29).
2.
One shall be at peace with one another:
a.
One shall accept each other humbly (v.33-37).
b.
One shall accept those who are
different from him (v.38-40).
c.One
shall treat those who are of Christ well (v.41).
d.
One shall not cause others to stumble (v.42).
e. One
shall deal with the factors that may cause him to stumble or sin
(v.43-48).
f.
One shall
perform the function of salt (v.49-50).
The
Revelation of the Kingdom of A Thousand Years
A.
Christ reigns in glory (see Rev.11:15).
B.
Peter
James and John typify the house of Israel (see
Rom. 11:16).
C.
Morse typifies the risen believers (see 1Cor. 15:52;
1Thess. 4:16).
D.
Elijah typifies the believers who are caught up when they
are alive (see 1Thess. 4:17).
E.
Those who are at the foot of the mountain typify the
nations (see Is. 11:10-12).
The
Guidance of the Lord Jesus
A.
The Lord led the disciples go to the
mountain to enjoy the spiritual fellowship:
1.
To see the heavenly vision on the
mountain (v.1-2);
2.
To know the heavenly glory on the mountain (v.3);
3.
To know the heavenly mystery on the mountain (v.4);
4.
To enjoy the heavenly joy on the mountain (v.5-6);
5.
To obtain the heavenly revelation on the mountain (v.7-8);
B.
The Lord led the disciples come down from the mountain to
practice:
1.
To the world ---- one shall not tell what he has seen to
men on the earth
lest they should do to him whatever they
wish
(v.9-13).
2.
To the devil ---- one shall draw the heavenly power by
the actions of faith
namely
prayer and fasting (v.14-29).
3.
To Himself ---- one shall know the way of the cross
(v.30-32).
4.
To believers ----- one shall accept one another and be at
peace with one another (v.33-35).
How
Shall Believers Treat One Another?
A. They
shall be the servants
of all (v.33-35).
B.
They
shall receive anyone of the little children in the Lord’s name (v.36-37).
C.
They shall accept those who are different from them
and
treat the one who is of Christ well (v.38-41).
D.
They shall not cause others to stumble but pay all the
cost of removing the factors that may make them stumble (v.42-48).
E.
They shall be at peace if they are seasoned with the
eternal elements (v.49-50).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou