Faithful on Fridays Blog

Mark 9&10

Peter was there. He watched the transfiguration of Jesus, literally saw the inside of God revealed on the outside. The word is metamorphosis, like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly, the inner man changes as it’s manifested on the outer man. Peter knew what he experienced was a picture of what was available to all believers:

These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:4b NLT

When we believe in Jesus we’re recreated into a new person … on the inside. It’s our mission to metamorph to the outside: we need to change. Displaying Jesus in our life shows the world that we’re different, consequently, our thoughts, words, and actions must change to re-present Christ.

The disciples were learning, as we are, to talk and act like Jesus but it didn’t seem to work in one particular instance (vs. 14-29): a very strong demon. Jesus explained that all power is available to those who believe but it begins with prayer. We find out from God what to do, where to go, and what to say; spending time in the presence of God is the only way. It seems they had left that part out; being busy in ministry can be a set-up for burnout. We need restorative time with our Savior to be effective.

After His second prediction of death and resurrection (and a third coming) Jesus continued His message of humility and servanthood as He walked the land and loved the people. 

Chapter Ten shows us how Jesus always pointed people to the Word of God. Whether it was controversial topics like divorce or wealth, entering the Kingdom of God requires humility as He explained to James and John (vs. 32-45). Anything short of a servant-mentality keeps the door closed. 

Peter was discouraged by Jesus’ explanation of entrance into the Kingdom of God but Jesus reassured him again, there’s no power within man to experience kingdom living, however, ‘all things are possible with God’. He alone has all power.

Lastly, the story of Bartimaeus, son of high value, teaches us that we begin life as blind beggars but Jesus was sent to ransom us by extending wholeness: body, soul, and spirit. He wants us to experience His saving rescue of our souls but also our bodies since the same word is used: sozo. God desires every part of us to be complete and made well. 

Bart had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment and his response to the Savior should be ours as well: have mercy. We’re encouraged to ‘get up’ and enter into Kingdom living by spending time with our Lord, gaining direction in life, and serving others. Your faith will sozo or make you well in order to follow Him. 

You’re not in this alone:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Acts 1:8a

Use His power well.