What does Mark 9:10 teach about Jesus' resurrection and our faith? Setting the scene Mark 9:10 follows the breathtaking moment of the Transfiguration. Jesus has just revealed His glory, then commands Peter, James, and John to keep silent “until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” The verse records their reaction: “So they kept this matter to themselves, discussing what it meant to rise from the dead.” (Mark 9:10) A close look at the verse • “They kept this matter to themselves” – Obedient silence, yet inward wrestling. • “Discussing what it meant” – Honest, earnest grappling. • “To rise from the dead” – A clear, literal prediction, not a metaphor. What the disciples’ confusion tells us • Even devoted followers can misunderstand revealed truth at first hearing (cf. Luke 24:25-26). • Their Jewish expectation of a triumphant, never-dying Messiah clashed with Jesus’ repeated forecasts of death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34). • God often plants truth before we can fully process it, preparing us for later clarity (John 2:22). Certainty of Jesus’ literal resurrection • Jesus speaks of resurrection as a real, bodily event (Mark 9:31). • The empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances confirm it (Luke 24:39-43; John 20:27). • Paul roots the gospel in this historical fact: “He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). • Scripture’s accuracy is vindicated by fulfilled prophecy—strengthening our confidence in every promise of God. Implications for our faith today • Faith trusts God’s word even when details are unclear. – Like the disciples, we may “discuss” and wonder, yet obedience comes first. • The resurrection is the cornerstone of assurance: – Guarantees our justification (Romans 4:25). – Secures our future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). – Empowers daily living by resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19-20). • Doubt is answered not by speculation but by returning to Christ’s explicit promises. Living out the promise • Hold Scripture as fully reliable, even passages beyond present comprehension. • Let the historical resurrection anchor hope in personal trials and global uncertainty. • Speak with confidence: the same Jesus who rose will keep every word He has spoken (Revelation 19:11-13). |
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