Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark 9:20We have several other instances where the forces of darkness had quite strange reactions to the Lord Jesus. Because they knew who he was, they were naturally afraid of him. This particular demon was a little different, however. For whatever reason, he could not speak.Frankly, it seems strange to say that a demon would…

Mark 9:19Often we hear it said that Jesus is referring to the faithlessness of his disciples in this particular verse. However, I believe that Jesus is referring to the lack of faith on the part of basically everybody there that day. The scribes, were faithless and unbelieving, trying to find a way to find fault…

Mark 9:18So, we have the same thing over in Matthew chapter 17, and yet the language regarding the demon is not included. Instead, the man is describing the antics of his lunatic son. So we ask why the difference?It seems likely that this man at first told the disciples his son was a lunatic. But,…

Mark 9:17This crowd may have been there for various reasons. But at this point everyone began to focus on the situation between the scribes and the disciples. The man, one of the multitude, had brought his son to be helped.It is important to understand the complexity of this case. If we did not have the…

Mark 9:16Here once again we have a place where the skeptic will ask a question. Why did Jesus have to ask them anything? Doesn’t he already know everything? Why would he need to inquire as to the subject of their argument? Wouldn’t this cause them to doubt his status as the Messiah?The answer is a…

Mark 9:15Everyone was happy to see Christ. His disciples were relieved, knowing that he could solve their dilemma. The multitude always delighted to see Christ. The scribes wanted the opportunity to question him as well. So, everyone wanted him, but for various reasons.So often we want the attention of the Lord, but for all of…

Mark 9:14Life stops for nobody. The scribes were giving Jesus’ other disciples quite a rough day. To look on the bright side of things, at least describes did know the Scripture better than most. However, this made them quite a bit more argumentative than most. They had to find for themselves some good reason to…

Mark 9:13Just as Jesus comes twice, Elijah returns twice. At the first coming of Christ, Elijah is John the Baptist. There will be another manifestation of Elijah proceeding the second coming of Christ. Heavenly Father, thank you the truth that you make available to us. You have given us all that we need. It is…

Mark 9:12A good reading of Isaiah 49 through 53 will help with understanding this passage. Jesus answers a question and asks another one. Elijah would indeed come before the Messiah. But, Jesus asks, how is it that it is also prophesied that the Messiah would suffer and be rejected? He is trying to get these…