Pride Came Before The Savior / The Power of Pride (Chuck Lawless Devotion)
Chapter 8:1-9 - Feeding of the 4,000
8:17–18 The disciples’ hearts are still partially closed to the depth of Jesus’ teaching and person, for he asks if they do not yet perceive or understand. Although Jesus does not rebuke them as hard-hearted “hypocrites” like the Pharisees and scribes (7:6), they still lack full understanding of who Jesus is. While the Pharisees reject Jesus’ teaching outright, the disciples are slow to appreciate it. The figurative reference to eyes and ears echoes the healings of the deaf man (7:31–35) and the blind man (8:22–26). Jesus wants to open the “ears” and “eyes” of the disciples’ hearts.
When Jesus had twice multiplied food, the disciples were supposed to understand the significance of these miracles: he who stands before them is none other than the eternal creator and giver of life (cf. Col. 1:15–20).
8:27–29a Caesarea Philippi was some 25 miles (40 km) north of the Sea of Galilee, and had been a center of the worship of Baal, then of the Greek god Pan, and then of Caesar (see note on Matt. 16:13). Who do people say that I am? Jesus’ questions (Mark 8:27, 29) prepare for his teaching. He must clarify that the Messiah of God is to be humbled (v. 31; 10:45) and exalted (8:38) for the sake of his people. This goes against popular expectations. On John the Baptist and Elijah, see note on 6:14b–15.
9:2–29 Transfiguration and Healing. Jesus’ transfiguration affords a glimpse into his divine nature. It is followed by continued struggle against evil, as Jesus heals a boy who has an unclean spirit.
9:2 high mountain. Probably Mount Hermon (see note on Matt. 17:1).
9:3 The transfiguration offers a glimpse into the radiant and divine glory of Jesus (Heb. 1:3; see also note on Luke 9:29), who is God’s Son and the judge of all. On white as heavenly brightness, cf. Dan. 7:9; Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10; Rev. 1:14; 20:11.
9:14–29 Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon that the disciples were unable to cast out.
Jesus and His disciples leave the region of the Decapolis and head back to Galilee, making their way southeast toward Capernaum (Mark 9:33). Jesus again predicts His death and resurrection (compare 8:31; 10:32–34). Although the disciples do not understand what Jesus means (v. 32), none of them openly disagrees with Jesus, as Peter did earlier (8:31–33). Their lack of understanding is further reflected in their discussion about who is greatest (vv. 33–37) and in their reaction to someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name (vv. 38–41). Jesus then speaks about future judgment and the need to avoid sin at all costs (vv. 42–50).