October 15, 2023
Mark 9:14-29
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. The parallel passages are Matthew 17:14-21 and Luke 9:37-43.
2. In Mark 9:2 ‘transfigured’ means that Jesus’ body transformed or metamorphosed to reveal his glorified being.
3. The transfiguration revealed Jesus to be greater than Moses and Elijah.
A. Jesus’ clothes became radiantly white.
B. The voice from the cloud commanded them to listen to Jesus.
C. Elijah and Moses were removed, only Jesus remained.
4. Human effort always falls short.
5. Past spiritual victories do not guarantee future victory.
6. References that state ‘with God all things are possible.’ Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:14, Mark 10:27, Mark 14:36, Luke 1:37, Philippians 4:13.
7. The father in this story identified his need. We also must identify and present our needs to Jesus.
8. Evil seeks to bind, blind, and destroy. Jesus came to set captives free from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:7
9. ‘If you can do anything’ is an indication that the father had some doubt.
10. The father acknowledged he had some doubt, but he desired faith.
11. The first step to dealing with doubt is to be honest with God about your doubts and let the Truth of God’s Word set you free.
12. The object of your faith is of utmost importance.
13. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NASB
14. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NASB
15. “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB
16. “Prayer is the highway that faith takes to the power of God.” John MacArthur
17. Prayer acknowledges your dependence on God to intervene to bring about His will.
18. “We should not pray for God to be on our side but that we will be on God’s side.” Billy Graham
19. ‘Amazed’ in verse 15 means ‘awe struck.’
20. Jesus demonstrated how much He cared about the father’s problem by asking him a question so he could express his grief.
21. Transfiguration vs The father and his son (John MacArthur)
Mountain Valley
God dominated the scene Satan dominated the scene
Father was pleased Earthly father is tortured
Perfect Son Perverted son
Fallen men in holy wonder Fallen son in unholy horror
22. “Scripture is the evidence that provides the basis of your faith.” John MacArthur
23. Faith is the source of spiritual power.
24. Application:
· A person of faith:
û Does not set limits on what Jesus is able to do.
û Does not make demands for God to answer their prayer in a certain way.
û Will pray according to the will of God. 1 John 5:14-15
· Life is full of insurmountable problems, Matthew 17:20 calls for us to approach them with faith the size of a mustard seed.
And He said to them, “Because of your meager faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NASB
· When you feel defeated in your Christian walk, respond with prayer.
