Mark 9:12
He replied, "Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected?
Elijah does come first
This phrase refers to the prophecy found in Malachi 4:5, where it is foretold that Elijah will return before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD." In the context of Mark 9:12, Jesus is affirming the Jewish expectation that Elijah's return is a precursor to the coming of the Messiah. The Greek word for "first" (πρῶτον, prōton) emphasizes the sequence in God's redemptive plan. Historically, Elijah is a significant prophetic figure, known for his powerful ministry and miraculous works, and his return symbolizes a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord.

and he restores all things
The phrase "restores all things" speaks to the role of Elijah in bringing about spiritual renewal and reformation. The Greek word for "restores" (ἀποκαθιστάνει, apokathistanei) implies a return to an original state or condition. This restoration is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, pointing to a renewal of hearts and a turning back to God. In the broader biblical narrative, this restoration is part of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself, preparing the way for the Messiah's redemptive work.

Why then is it written
Here, Jesus is prompting His disciples to consider the scriptural basis for the events they are witnessing. The phrase "is it written" (γέγραπται, gegraptai) is a common biblical expression that underscores the authority and reliability of Scripture. It invites believers to delve into the Word of God to understand His purposes and plans. This rhetorical question encourages a deeper exploration of the prophecies concerning the Messiah and the role of Elijah, urging the disciples to see the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus.

that the Son of Man must suffer many things
The title "Son of Man" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthrōpou) is a messianic title that Jesus frequently uses for Himself, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14. It emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority. The phrase "must suffer many things" (πολλὰ πάσχειν, polla paschein) highlights the necessity of Jesus' suffering as part of God's redemptive plan. This suffering is not incidental but essential, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah 53 and other Old Testament passages that speak of the suffering servant. It underscores the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, which is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.

and be rejected
The word "rejected" (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι, apodokimasthēnai) conveys the idea of being disapproved or cast aside. This rejection is a fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, where the stone the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone. Jesus' rejection by the religious leaders and His own people is a pivotal aspect of His earthly ministry, illustrating the cost of true discipleship and the reality of opposition to God's work. It serves as a reminder that following Christ may involve facing rejection and persecution, yet it is through this rejection that God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet in the Old Testament known for his powerful ministry and miracles. In this context, Elijah represents the prophetic forerunner to the Messiah.

2. Son of Man
A title Jesus frequently used for Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission, often associated with suffering and redemption.

3. Restoration
The act of bringing back to a former position or condition. Elijah's role is seen as one of spiritual restoration, preparing the way for the Messiah.

4. Suffering and Rejection
Refers to the foretold experiences of the Messiah, highlighting the paradox of the suffering servant in the path to glory.

5. Prophetic Fulfillment
The events surrounding Elijah and the Son of Man are seen as fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophetic Roles
Recognize the importance of prophetic figures like Elijah in preparing the way for Christ. This highlights God's meticulous planning and fulfillment of His promises.

The Paradox of Suffering
Embrace the paradox that suffering and rejection can be part of God's divine plan. Jesus' path to glory involved suffering, teaching us to trust God's purposes in our trials.

Continuity of Scripture
Appreciate the seamless connection between the Old and New Testaments. The prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ affirm the reliability and unity of Scripture.

Preparation for Christ's Return
Just as Elijah prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, believers are called to prepare for His return by living lives of holiness and proclamation.

Embracing Rejection for Christ
As followers of Christ, we may face rejection. Understanding Jesus' own rejection can encourage us to stand firm in our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Elijah as a forerunner to Christ challenge or affirm your understanding of God's preparation in your own life?

2. In what ways can the suffering and rejection of the Son of Man inform your response to personal trials and challenges?

3. How does the connection between Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself and others for the return of Christ, similar to Elijah's role in preparing the way for Jesus?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced rejection for your faith. How can Jesus' experience of suffering and rejection encourage you to persevere?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Malachi 4:5-6
This passage prophesies the coming of Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord," which is connected to the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner to Christ.

Isaiah 53
This chapter describes the suffering servant, which aligns with Jesus' reference to the Son of Man's suffering and rejection.

Matthew 17:10-13
Provides further insight into the role of Elijah and how Jesus identifies John the Baptist as fulfilling this role.
A Glimpse of GloryJ.J. Given Mark 9:1-13
Glimpses of the Glory of JesusE. Johnson Mark 9:2-18
Dark SayingsE. Johnson Mark 9:9-13
The Saying that was KeptA.F. Muir Mark 9:9-13
People
Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Galilee, High Mountain
Topics
Answering, Contempt, Despised, Elias, Elijah, Eli'jah, Endure, Held, Indeed, Naught, Nothing, Nought, Order, Puts, Reforms, Rejected, Replied, Restore, Restores, Restoreth, Sorrow, Suffer, Suffering, Sure, Treated, Truly, Verily, Writings, Written, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 9:12

     5564   suffering, of Christ
     5738   sons
     6231   rejection of God
     7160   servants of the Lord

Mark 9:2-13

     5092   Elijah

Mark 9:11-13

     5098   John the Baptist

Mark 9:12-13

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT

Library
February 2 Evening
One star differeth from another star in glory.--I COR. 15:41. By the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all.--Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
'He answereth him and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?'--Mark ix. 19. There is a very evident, and, I think, intentional contrast between the two scenes, of the Transfiguration, and of this healing of the maniac boy. And in nothing is the contrast more marked than in the demeanour of these enfeebled and unbelieving Apostles, as contrasted with the rapture of devotion of the other three, and with the lowly submission and faith of Moses and Elias.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Omnipotence of Faith
Jesus said unto him, If them canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.'--Mark ix. 23. The necessity and power of faith is the prominent lesson of this narrative of the healing of a demoniac boy, especially as it is told by the Evangelist Mark, The lesson is enforced by the actions of all the persons in the group, except the central figure, Christ. The disciples could not cast out the demon, and incur Christ's plaintive rebuke, which is quite as much sorrow as blame: 'O faithless
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Unbelieving Belief
'And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.'--Mark ix. 24. We owe to Mark's Gospel the fullest account of the pathetic incident of the healing of the demoniac boy. He alone gives us this part of the conversation between our Lord and the afflicted child's father. The poor man had brought his child to the disciples, and found them unable to do anything with him. A torrent of appeal breaks from his lips as soon as the Lord gives
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Unanswered Question
'What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?'--Mark ix. 33. Was it not a strange time to squabble when they had just been told of His death? Note-- I. The variations of feeling common to the disciples and to us all: one moment 'exceeding sorrowful,' the next fighting for precedence. II. Christ's divine insight into His servants' faults. This question was put because He knew what the wrangle had been about. The disputants did not answer, but He knew without an answer, as His immediately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Salted with Fire
Every one shall be salted with fire.'--Mark ix. 49. Our Lord has just been uttering some of the most solemn words that ever came from His gracious lips. He has been enjoining the severest self-suppression, extending even to mutilation and excision of the eye, the hand, or the foot, that might cause us to stumble. He has been giving that sharp lesson on the ground of plain common sense and enlightened self-regard. It is better, obviously, to live maimed than to die whole. The man who elects to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Salt in Yourselves'
'Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.'--Mark ix. 50. In the context 'salt' is employed to express the preserving, purifying, divine energy which is otherwise spoken of as 'fire.' The two emblems produce the same result. They both salt--that is, they cleanse and keep. And if in the one we recognise the quick energy of the Divine Spirit as the central idea, no less are we to see the same typified under a slightly different aspect in the other. The fire transforms into its own substance
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'This is My Beloved Son: Hear Him'
'And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.'--Mark ix. 7. With regard to the first part of these words spoken at the Transfiguration, they open far too large and wonderful a subject for me to do more than just touch with the tip of my finger, as it were, in passing, because the utterance of the divine words, 'This is My beloved Son,' in all the depth of their meaning and loftiness, is laid as the foundation of the two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jesus Only!
'They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.'--Mark ix. 8. The Transfiguration was the solemn inauguration of Jesus for His sufferings and death. Moses, the founder, and Elijah, the restorer, of the Jewish polity, the great Lawgiver and the great Prophet, were present. The former had died and been mysteriously buried, the latter had been translated without 'seeing death.' So both are visitors from the unseen world, appearing to own that Jesus is the Lord of that dim land, and that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Transfiguration
'And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them. 3. And His raimemt became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Receiving and Forbidding
'And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34. But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35. And He sat down, and called the Twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36. And He took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when He had taken him in His arms, He said unto them, 37.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Ninth Scholars in Christ's School
"He taught His disciples." --MARK ix. 30-37. And my Lord will teach me. He will lead me into "the deep things" of God. There is only one school for this sort of learning, and an old saint called it the Academy of Love, and it meets in Gethsemane and Calvary, and the Lord Himself is the teacher, and there is room in the school for thee and me. But the disciples were not in the mood for learning. They were not ambitious for heavenly knowledge, but for carnal prizes, not for wisdom, but for place.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lenten Fast.
"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer."--ST. MARK ix. 29. You remember the narrative from which I have taken this verse. Jesus, as we read, had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, and when He was come to the multitude, a certain man besought him saying, "Have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic and sore vexed, and I brought him to Thy disciples, but they could not cure him." Then Jesus rebuked the devil, and the child was cured from that hour. Thereupon His disciples
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

The Child in the Midst.
"And He took a child and set Him in the midst of them: and when He had taken him in His arms, He said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth Me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receiveth not Me, but Him that sent Me."--ST. MARK ix. 36, 37. It is one of the characteristics of our time, one of its most hopeful and most encouraging signs, that men are awaking to higher and purer conceptions of the Christian life and what it is that constitutes such a life. We
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Of Hell
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Mark 9:48. 1. Every truth which is revealed in the oracles of God is undoubtedly of great importance. Yet it may be allowed that some of those which are revealed therein are of greater importance than others, as being more immediately conducive to the grand end of all, the eternal salvation of men. And we may judge of their importance even from this circumstance, -- that they are not mentioned once only in the sacred writings, but are repeated
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Caution against Bigotry
"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name: and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not." Mark 9:38, 39. 1. In the preceding verses we read, that after the Twelve had been disputing "which of them should be the greatest," Jesus took a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, said unto them, "Whosoever shall receive one of these little children in My name, receiveth
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
In the text there are three things very clearly. Here is true faith; here is grievous unbelief; here is a battle between the two. I. Very clearly in the text there is TRUE FAITH. "Lord, I believe," says the anxious father. When our Lord tells him that, if he can believe, all things are possible to him, he makes no demur, asks for no pause, wishes to hear no more evidence, but cries at once, "Lord, I believe." Now, observe we have called this faith true faith, and we will prove it to have been so.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Child in the Midst.
And he came to Capernaum: and, being in the house, he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Absolute Surrender
"And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine. And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine and all that
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
AS certainly as we are here now, it is not long but we shall all be in another World, either in a World of Happiness, or else in a World of Misery, or if you will, either in Heaven or in Hell. For these are the two only places which all Mankind from the beginning of the World to the end of it, must live in for evermore, some in the one, some in the other, according to their carriage and behaviour here; and therefore it is worth the while to take a view and prospect now and then of both these places,
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Three Tabernacles
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. MARK ix. 5. Caught up in glory and in rapture, the Apostle seems to have forgotten the world from which he had ascended, and to which he still belonged, and to have craved permanent shelter and extatic communion within the mystic splendors that brightened the Mount of Transfiguration. But it was true, not only as to the confusion of his
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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