Read Mark 8
Highlights:
Whom say ye that I am? . . . Thou art the Christ (Mark 8:29). His suffering and death foretold (8:31-38; 9:30-32). Transfiguration (9:2-13). All things are possible to him that believeth (9:23).
Jesus took three of His disciples — Peter, and James, and John — and withdrew from the crowd to the mountaintop for prayer and fellowship with the Father. There on the mountain, He was transfigured (transformed) before them. And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them (Mark 9:2-3). His disciples also witnessed Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet in fellowship with the Lord. Peter was anxious to perpetuate this season of spiritual fellowship by erecting three tabernacles (9:4-5). For he (Peter) wist (understood) not what to say; for they (the three apostles) were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him (9:6-7).
If Peter's desire had been granted, the worship which is due to Christ alone would have been divided between Himself and two of His saints. We are concerned that this may be the case in many Christian circles today. Oh, for a voice today that will again declare that Christ and His Word alone are our supreme authority and are sufficient to meet every need!
Christ is always to be central in our lives. He has no equal. The apostle's second error was that he wanted to remain on the mountain, but there was a cross to bear and a lost world to redeem. In fact, at that very moment, a poor demonic son in the valley was awaiting their return in order that he might be healed.
A soul's greatest satisfaction is to get past all lesser experiences to Christ Himself. Oh, how many have come short of the Savior's best because they were so intent on reading other books or seeking this speaker or that, this gift or that blessing. Many Christians can testify to years of being preoccupied with building strange "tabernacles" only to one day see no man any more, save Jesus only (9:8)! Just think of the transfiguration power of God that will affect the needy world once we point them to Jesus only!
The world by wisdom knew not God. . . . For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the Power of God, and the Wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:21-24).
Thought for Today:
God . . . hath . . . given Him a Name which is above every name: That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:9-11).
Cross References:
For Mark 8:18: See Ezek. 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Is. 66:24.
Word Studies:
9:3 fuller . . . can white them launderer can bleach them; 9:12 set at nought rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt trippled.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Andre Carson (IN) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) • Country: Bulgaria (8.2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages • Newly opened to evangelism • 85% Eastern Orthodox; 12% Muslim Sunni; 1% Shi'a Muslim; .6% Catholic; .27% Protestant; .1% Armenian Gregorian; .03% Jewish; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: In times of trouble, pray and seek comfort in the Word of God (Ps. 119:50).
Memory Verse for the Week:
