Sunday 3 October
Following Jesus Beyond the Peak
Alan Aitken
Alan walks us through Mark chapter 9. The disciples Peter, James, and John have a peak experience with Jesus when he is Transfigured before them on a high mountain. Al walks us through lessons that we can learn from their experience. He encourages us to think about a time where God spoke to us significantly and how we are proceeding from this point.
Life Group questions
Following Jesus Beyond the Peak
Session 9: Mark 9:1-41
Read Mark 9:1-41.
Watch Francis Chan, “The Gospel of Mark” Video Series Session 8: Mark 8:31–10:52 (8 minutes)
Discuss
Take another look over Mark 9:1–13. Jesus begins with a promise to the disciples that some would see the kingdom of God come in power. Put yourself back in the shoes of the disciples. What are you anticipating from Jesus after that statement?
The text then jumps ahead almost a week later. Jesus has once again gone up the mountain, this time with Peter, James, and John. In this passage there are signs of the disciples’ confusion— particularly of Peter.
What aspects of the event on the mountain do you think would lead the three disciples to thinking Jesus had changed his mind? Why?
Look back at Mark 1 and Jesus’s baptism. What similarities and differences do you see between that event and the Transfiguration? Contrast and compare who was involved, where and when the events happened, what was said, etc.
The whole point of the passage isn’t to get the disciples—or us—excited about Jesus coming in power to conquer Rome or whatever boogey man we hope he’ll fight for us. It’s about God making it absolutely clear that whatever Jesus says, we need to obey.
Now take a closer look at Mark 9:14–29. The disciples get fixated on power rather than purpose and fail to cast out a demon. Jesus repeats his demonstration of power-used-for-compassion-notconquering.
But in the middle, we find a heart-wrenching yet comforting moment. The father of the demon-possessed child knows that faith is the key to rescue. But he needs help. So, he asks for it.
We may be tempted to assume that having great faith means we never ask for help. But that’s not right. Are you willing to come to Jesus and ask for help? Are there areas of your life where you’ve not asked God to help you? If so, why?
Check out Mark 9:30–32. Here again Jesus reminds the disciples that he must die and raise from the dead. Why do you think the disciples still didn’t understand him?
Finally, take a look at Mark 9:33–50. What do these verses teach us about what it means to follow Jesus? Why is servant leadership so difficult to practice?