Mark 9: The Kingdom of God, Transfiguration, and Discipleship
Mike Nagel's sermon focuses on Mark Chapter 9, exploring the arrival of the Kingdom of God. He highlights key events such as the Transfiguration and the healing of a demon-possessed boy to illustrate Jesus's power and authority. Nagel emphasizes that Jesus is not just a moral teacher, but the all-powerful Son of God who demands complete devotion. He also discusses the disciples' struggles understanding Jesus's mission and their arguments about greatness. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their own faith and to remove anything hindering their relationship with God, encouraging them to be "salt" and "light" in the world. Ultimately, Nagel underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Savior and surrendering fully to Him.
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Mark Chapter 9: A Study Guide
I. Quiz
Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
According to Mike Nagel, who is the likely author of the Gospel of Mark, and from whose perspective was it written?
What does Nagel say is the main focus of the book of Mark?
What happens during the Transfiguration, and why is it significant?
What Old Testament figures appear during the Transfiguration?
What is Peter’s reaction during the Transfiguration?
How does Jesus respond to the father who asks for his demon-possessed son to be healed, and what does the father say in response?
What does Nagel say about Jesus asking people not to tell others about his miracles?
What is the disciples’ attitude toward Jesus's announcement of his coming death and resurrection, and why?
What were the disciples arguing about, and what lesson does Jesus teach them using a child?
What does Nagel say about asking questions of God?
II. Quiz - Answer Key
The Gospel of Mark was likely written by John Mark from the perspective of Peter. Mark is the shortest gospel, and it quickly presents stories of Jesus, God's Kingdom and miracles.
The main focus of the book of Mark is to show Jesus coming to earth, proclaiming that the kingdom of God has arrived, and backing up that claim with healings and miracles. He is showing that Jesus is the Chosen One, the promised Messiah.
During the Transfiguration, Jesus's appearance is transformed, and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, and a voice from a cloud declares Jesus as God's beloved son, urging the disciples to listen to him. This event shows that heaven is breaking through, and the Son of God is revealed.
Moses and Elijah appear during the Transfiguration. Moses represents the law, and Elijah represents the prophets, and their presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything written in the Old Testament.
Peter's reaction during the Transfiguration is to suggest building three shelters as memorials for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He makes this suggestion because he is terrified and doesn't know what else to say.
Jesus responds to the father by saying, "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father cries out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief."
Nagel states that Jesus is doing all of this work and is asking people not to reveal who he is yet intentionally. He understands that asking people not to reveal who he is is not the best way to market or sell himself.
The disciples do not understand Jesus's announcement of his coming death and resurrection, and they are afraid to ask him about it. They have a different view of who the Messiah would be, expecting a king who would lead them to freedom from Roman rule.
The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them. Jesus teaches them that whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else, using a child as an example of humility and insignificance.
Nagel states that asking questions of God is actually a sign of faith. He understands that when we're asking questions, we are trusting the person that we're asking, which in this case is God.
III. Essay Questions
Consider the following essay questions and develop well-supported arguments based on the source material.
Discuss the significance of mountains in the Bible, as described by Mike Nagel. How does the setting of the Transfiguration on a high mountain contribute to the meaning of the event?
Explain how Jesus's actions and teachings in Mark Chapter 9 challenge the conventional understanding of the Messiah held by his disciples and the Jewish people of that time.
Analyze the passage where Jesus tells his followers to cut off their hand or gouge out their eye if it causes them to sin. What is the intended meaning of this passage, and how should it be interpreted in the context of Christian faith?
Explore the theme of faith and unbelief in Mark Chapter 9, particularly focusing on the story of the father with the demon-possessed son. How does this passage illustrate the nature of faith and the possibility of overcoming doubt?
Discuss how the concept of the "Kingdom of God" is presented in Mark Chapter 9. How does Jesus demonstrate the arrival of this kingdom through his actions, teachings, and interactions with others?
IV. Glossary of Key Terms
Transfiguration: A complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. In the context of Mark 9, it refers to the moment when Jesus's appearance is transformed on a mountain, revealing his divine glory.
Messiah: The promised deliverer of the Jewish people, prophesied in the Old Testament. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
Son of Man: A title that Jesus uses to refer to himself, drawing from Daniel 7. It signifies his authority, honor, and sovereignty over all nations.
Kingdom of God: The reign of God in the hearts of people. God's will and presence is fully known, and people are saved from eternal damnation.
Pharisees: A Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to religious law and their opposition to Jesus.
Holiness: The state of being set apart, pure, and righteous. It is often associated with God's divine nature.
Sin: An act of disobedience against God's will, separating humans from God.
Eternal Life: Everlasting life that is granted when someone is saved from sin.
Grace: God's unmerited favor and love, offered to humanity through Jesus Christ.
Salt (as a metaphor): Salt is a seasoning and enhancer, preservative and ice melter that, when put into food, transforms the food. Followers of Jesus should take on the properties of salt.
