How should we respond when encountering Jesus' presence as described in Mark 9:15? Encountering Glory: Mark 9:15 “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were filled with awe and ran to greet Him.” (Mark 9:15) What Filled Them with Awe? - They had just witnessed the radiance of Jesus after the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13). - His divine authority was unmistakable (Hebrews 1:3). - Awe here is not mere surprise; it is a reverent fear that recognizes holiness (Psalm 99:3). Immediate, Two-Fold Response 1. Awe • Hearts stunned by His majesty (Matthew 17:6). • Awareness of their own smallness before Him (Luke 5:8). 2. Action • “Ran to greet Him” — eager movement toward Christ. • Not casual, but urgent and joyful (Psalm 95:1-2). Cultivating Awe Today - Meditate daily on His revealed glory in the Word (John 1:14). - Recall His mighty works, past and present (Psalm 105:5). - Guard against familiarity that dulls reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29). Practical Ways to “Run to Him” • Swift Obedience – “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18). • Earnest Prayer – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Joyful Worship – “Those who were in the boat worshiped Him” (Matthew 14:33). • Daily Surrender – “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). • Proclaiming His Presence – The healed demoniac “began to proclaim…how much Jesus had done for him” (Mark 5:20). Living in the Ongoing Presence - Draw near: “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8). - Walk in holiness: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). - Anticipate His return in the same posture of awe and readiness (1 John 3:2-3). Scripture Echoes of Awe-Filled Action • Exodus 34:29-30 — Moses’ shining face causes trembling. • Luke 24:32 — Hearts burn when He draws near. • Acts 3:10-11 — People run, “full of amazement,” toward where Jesus’ power healed. Responding to Jesus’ presence, then, is simple yet profound: let holy awe seize the heart, and let that awe propel immediate, joyful movement toward Him in worship, obedience, and witness. |
    |