Rising from the Dead

Opening Prayer (Intercession and Adoration)

Have you ever been absolutely certain about how something was supposed to happen, only to discover that reality unfolded in a completely different way?

Perhaps you anticipated a promotion at work, a quick recovery from an illness, or a smooth path toward a goal. You had all the pieces figured out in your mind. Then events took an unexpected turn, leaving you confused and wondering, "Why didn't it happen the way I thought it would?"

As we examine Mark 9:9–13, we will see that Jesus corrects the disciples' understanding of prophecy, suffering, and the coming Kingdom, teaching them that God's redemptive plan unfolds according to His purpose, not according to human expectations.

Read Mark 9:9-13.

Do I see salvation through my expectations or through God’s plan?

Proclamation demands understanding. (v.9)

Jesus makes the resurrection the linchpin for the whole plan and purpose of his ministry. Death is only the first step, but overcoming the grave is the ultimate knock-out punch.

In light of Peter’s reaction, Jesus is making sure to communicate the need for silence. This is not an objection to the proclamation of truth; rather, it is a needful time to see and appreciate the whole of the Father’s work through his Son’s suffering.

Here we see the correlation with God doing all things in the fullness of time. Remember, there are no shortcuts, cheat codes, or bypasses to God's plans.

Galatians 4:4 LSB

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

Do I appreciate God’s means of salvation as I should?

Life-giving faith moves us to reality. (v.10-11)

Peter, John, and James are now arguing over the meaning of the words Jesus used regarding His resurrection. The Disciples are not dwelling on the event or the immense truth of the transfiguration; they are going back and forth on what they have heard from other men about God’s plan of salvation.

Peter, John, and James ask about the teaching of the Scribes and how it aligns with the teaching of Jesus over the past several months, during which the twelve have been hearing directly from him. Here we see that relativism and sheer philosophy are not enough to appreciate the height, depth, and breadth of God’s design and redemption.

The Disciples’ words shed light on their walk with God. The question remains as they seek to understand the prophetic figure of Elijah. While to you and me this seems unseemly, the Disciples have not received a gospel of glory through suffering, but one of glory through conquest and destruction.

Malachi 3:1 LSB

1 “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says Yahweh of hosts.

Malachi 4:4–6 LSB

4 “Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and judgments which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. 5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yahweh. 6 “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land, devoting it to destruction.”

Do I understand the life-giving reality of the Gospel through God’s suffering?

A promise fulfilled does not erase the need for Calvary. (v.12-13)

The Old Testament, inspired by the Holy Spirit, claims that without the shedding of blood, sin cannot be atoned for. The shadow of the Law points to the glorious light of Jesus and his work of suffering, the cross, and the empty tomb.

Still, a complex chapter for Jewish scholars is the interpretation of Psalm 22 and Isaiah 52-53. These chapters highlight the means of expiation and propitiation for sins that God would use to fulfill the covenants that extend from Abraham to Isaac, Israel, and David.

Jesus makes a poignant point in light of the coming day of the LORD. The day of the LORD divides into two parts. First, the suffering of the Son of God to abolish evil and conquer the grave. Second, the establishment of his eternal kingdom in all power and glory at the end of human history.

Psalm 118:19–25 LSB

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to Yah. 20 This is the gate of Yahweh; The righteous will enter through it. 21 I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, And You have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. 23 This is from Yahweh; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which Yahweh has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O Yahweh, save! O Yahweh, succeed!

Who has a better path to grasp the redemption of the universe, God or me?

What is so important about the resurrection?

It is the path to the humanity God always intended for you and me.

Resurrection enthrones Jesus Christ and renews you and me.

Is the clarifying lens for the totality of God’s redemption.

Closing Prayer (Petition and Thanksgiving)