The Book of Mark
Sabbath School Lesson 8
Teaching Disciples: Part 2
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
------------------------------
> Download the notes for Lesson 8 video here.
----------------------
> Download Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here
------------------------------
Mark 9:42-50
Mark 9:43–47 (NIV): If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
Spiritual Awareness
Learning to take sin seriously starts with developing a deep awareness of what sin is and how it separates us from God. Sin, in the Christian context, is not just a mistake or a bad habit; it's an act of rebellion against God's will. Understanding this can lead to a more profound sense of its seriousness.
Reflecting on the Consequences
Jesus' metaphor of maiming oneself to avoid sin illustrates the severe consequences of sin. While not intended to be taken literally, it emphasizes that the consequences of unrepentant sin—separation from God, spiritual death—are far more serious than any physical harm we might endure. Reflecting on these eternal consequences can help believers prioritize avoiding sin over temporary comfort.
Cultivating a Holy Fear of God
In many Christian traditions, there's an emphasis on developing a "holy fear" of God, which is a reverent awe and respect for His holiness and justice. This fear isn't about being scared of God, but rather having a deep respect for His authority and the seriousness of sin against Him.
Daily Repentance and Vigilance
Taking sin seriously involves a daily practice of self-examination, repentance, and vigilance. Recognizing areas of weakness and being proactive in seeking God's help to overcome temptation is key. Prayer, scripture reading, and accountability within a faith community can all contribute to this.
Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice
Reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross can deepen the seriousness with which we view sin. Jesus’ suffering and death were necessary because of the gravity of sin, and remembering this can encourage believers to avoid taking sin lightly.
Practical Steps
Practically, this might involve making tough decisions to avoid situations that lead to sin, even if those decisions come with a cost—like ending certain relationships, avoiding particular environments, or practicing self-discipline in areas of weakness.
Balancing Seriousness with Grace
While it's important to take sin seriously, it's equally important to remember the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. The goal of taking sin seriously isn't to live in constant fear or guilt, but to live in the freedom that comes from being aligned with God's will. Balancing the seriousness of sin with the understanding of God’s grace and mercy helps believers live a life that honors God while experiencing His love and forgiveness.
In Mark 9:42–50, Jesus teaches several important lessons focused on the seriousness of sin, the importance of avoiding temptation, and the necessity of maintaining spiritual integrity.
The Seriousness of Causing Others to Sin (Verse 42):
Jesus warns against leading others, especially "little ones" (likely referring to new believers or children), into sin. He uses strong language, saying that it would be better for a person to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause another to stumble.
Radical Measures Against Sin (Verses 43–48):
Jesus uses hyperbolic language to emphasize the seriousness of avoiding sin. He says that if your hand, foot, or eye causes you to sin, it's better to cut it off or pluck it out rather than to be thrown into hell (Gehenna). This isn't a literal command to maim oneself, but rather an illustration of how serious and urgent it is to avoid anything that leads to sin.
The Reality of Judgment (Verses 47–48):
Jesus speaks of the consequences of sin, highlighting the reality of hell, where "the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." This underscores the eternal nature of judgment for those who reject God's ways.
The Importance of Purity and Integrity (Verses 49–50):
Jesus talks about being "salted with fire," which can be understood as a refining or purifying process. Salt was a symbol of purity and preservation. Jesus encourages His followers to maintain their "saltiness," meaning their spiritual integrity and purity. He warns that if salt loses its flavor, it is useless, emphasizing the need for disciples to live in a way that preserves their faith and witness.
Overall, these verses emphasize the importance of living a life that avoids sin and temptation, preserves spiritual integrity, and takes seriously the consequences of leading others astray.
In Mark 9:30-41, the disciples are traveling with Jesus, and along the way, they begin to argue among themselves about who is the greatest among them. They are debating their own status and importance within their group.
When they reach Capernaum, Jesus, aware of their argument, asks them what they were discussing on the way. The disciples are silent because they are embarrassed about their argument. Jesus then sits down and calls the Twelve to him. He teaches them an important lesson about humility and service.
Instruction from Jesus
Being First by Being Last: Jesus tells them that if anyone wants to be first, they must be the last and the servant of all. This teaching emphasizes that true greatness in God's kingdom is not about power, status, or dominance but about humility, service, and putting others before oneself.
Welcoming a Child: Jesus takes a little child and places the child among them. He then takes the child in his arms and says, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." This further illustrates that welcoming and caring for the most vulnerable and humble, like a child, is a reflection of welcoming Jesus himself and God.
Key Points
The disciples are concerned with worldly status, but Jesus redirects their focus to humility and service.
Jesus uses a child as an example of humility, innocence, and dependence, teaching that greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving and caring for others, especially the least and most vulnerable.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14 NKJ
V
Pentecost 2025 is a movement inviting Seventh-day Adventists in North America to collectively hold 3,000 or more proclamation events throughout the year 2025.
To support these initiatives, the North American Division is making intentional efforts to equip our members and leaders with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to perform effective evangelism.
Apply now to add your proclamation event to the Pentecost 2025 collective, join a supportive community of evangelism resource-sharing, and, if desired, request financial backing to get your event off the ground.
Learn more and register at: Pentecost 2025
The account of the Transfiguration in Mark 9:1–13 offers several important lessons for believers.
The Divinity of Jesus:
Lesson: The Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine nature, affirming that He is not just a great teacher or prophet but the Son of God. His transformation into a glorified state underscores His unique role in salvation history.
Application: This teaches us to recognize and honor Jesus not just as a moral leader but as the divine Savior who deserves our worship and obedience.
The Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets:
Lesson: The appearance of Moses and Elijah signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah). This demonstrates the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Testament to the New.
Application: We are reminded that all Scripture points to Jesus and that our faith is rooted in the consistent and unfolding plan of God. This encourages us to study both the Old and New Testaments to understand the full story of redemption.
The Importance of Listening to Jesus:
Lesson: The voice of God from the cloud commands, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This underscores the importance of heeding Jesus' teachings and following His example.
Application: We should prioritize the words and teachings of Jesus in our lives, allowing them to guide our decisions, actions, and beliefs. This also implies a commitment to discipleship and obedience.
Spiritual Experiences and Their Purpose:
Lesson: The Transfiguration was a powerful spiritual experience for Peter, James, and John, meant to strengthen their faith. However, they were not to dwell on it permanently but to carry its significance into their everyday lives.
Application: Spiritual experiences can be profound and transformative, but they are meant to equip us for faithful living in the day-to-day. We should cherish these moments but also recognize that they are meant to inspire action and perseverance in our faith journey.
The Reality of Suffering in God’s Plan:
Lesson: Jesus speaks of His suffering and death, even in the context of this glorious revelation. The reference to John the Baptist (as the “Elijah” who was to come) also highlights the theme of suffering and martyrdom.
Application: Following Jesus involves both glory and suffering. We should be prepared for trials and challenges in our faith, knowing that suffering is part of the Christian journey and that it ultimately leads to resurrection and glory.
The Need for Patience and Timing:
Lesson: Jesus instructed the disciples not to share what they had seen until after His resurrection. This teaches the importance of God’s timing and the need for patience in revealing certain truths.
Application: We should trust in God’s timing and be patient, knowing that some things are revealed in their proper time. This can apply to understanding God’s will, sharing our faith, or seeing the fulfillment of His promises.
Encouragement in the Face of Difficulties:
Lesson: The Transfiguration provided the disciples with a glimpse of Jesus’ glory to encourage them as they faced the upcoming trials, including His crucifixion.
Application: In times of difficulty, we can find encouragement in the assurance of Christ’s ultimate victory and glory. This helps us to endure challenges with hope and confidence in God’s plan.
The Transfiguration teaches us about the divine nature of Jesus, the fulfillment of Scripture, the importance of listening to Him, and the balance between glory and suffering in the Christian life. It encourages us to live faithfully, trusting in God’s timing and finding strength in the hope of Christ’s ultimate glory.
In Mark 8:31–38, Jesus outlines what it means to follow Him, emphasizing the need for self-denial, taking up one's cross, and prioritizing God's will over worldly concerns.
Self-Denial (Mark 8:34): Jesus says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves." (NIV) This means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and selfishness to focus on God's will.
Taking Up the Cross (Mark 8:34): Jesus continues, "take up their cross and follow me." (NIV) This symbolizes a willingness to endure suffering, persecution, and hardship for the sake of Christ. The cross represents a commitment to sacrifice and a readiness to bear burdens for the sake of faith.
Prioritizing Eternal Life (Mark 8:35–36): Jesus teaches that those who seek to save their earthly lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake and the gospel will save them. This means valuing spiritual and eternal life over physical and temporary gains.
Rejecting Worldly Values (Mark 8:36–37): Jesus challenges the value of worldly success and material wealth, asking, "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (NIV) This teaches the importance of prioritizing spiritual well-being over material gain.
Unashamed of the Gospel (Mark 8:38): Jesus warns that those who are ashamed of Him and His words in this sinful generation will find themselves in a similar position when He returns in glory. Followers of Jesus are called to boldly proclaim and live by His teachings, regardless of societal pressure.
Following Jesus requires a radical reorientation of life—surrendering personal desires, embracing suffering for the sake of the gospel, prioritizing spiritual values, and remaining steadfast in faith even when faced with opposition.
In Mark 8:31–38, Jesus teaches His disciples about the cost of following Him, emphasizing the sacrifices and challenges that come with discipleship. Here's a breakdown of the passage and its teachings.
Mark 8:31–33: Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Death
Verse 31: Jesus begins by predicting His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. He openly tells His disciples that He will be rejected by the religious leaders and be killed, but after three days, He will rise again.
Verse 32: Peter rebukes Jesus, likely because the idea of the Messiah suffering and dying contradicted his expectations of a triumphant, earthly king.
Verse 33: Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan!" He explains that Peter is thinking in human terms, not according to God's will. This indicates that following Jesus requires aligning one’s mindset with God's purposes, even when it involves suffering.
Mark 8:34–38: The Cost of Discipleship
Verse 34: Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples and tells them that anyone who wants to follow Him must "deny themselves and take up their cross." This symbolizes a willingness to suffer, sacrifice, and even face death for the sake of following Jesus.
Verse 35: He teaches that those who try to save their earthly lives by avoiding suffering and sacrifice will ultimately lose their true lives. But those who lose their lives for Jesus' sake and the gospel will save them. This means that true life, in an eternal sense, is found in giving up earthly security and comfort for the sake of Christ.
Verse 36: Jesus poses a rhetorical question: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" This highlights the futility of pursuing worldly success and material wealth at the expense of one's eternal soul.
Verse 37: He continues by asking what someone could give in exchange for their soul, emphasizing the incomparable value of the soul compared to worldly possessions.
Verse 38: Jesus warns that anyone who is ashamed of Him and His words in this "adulterous and sinful generation" will find that He will be ashamed of them when He comes in glory with the holy angels. This underscores the importance of unwavering loyalty to Christ, even in the face of opposition or persecution.
In this passage, Jesus teaches that following Him requires self-denial, a willingness to endure suffering, and prioritizing spiritual over worldly values. The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is eternal life. Jesus calls His followers to be fully committed, even if it means facing rejection, loss, or death.
The Messianic Secret(?)
In Mark 8:27-30, after Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus tells His disciples not to tell anyone about this. This directive is often referred to as the "Messianic Secret." Several reasons are suggested for why Jesus might have instructed His disciples to keep His identity as the Messiah a secret.
Avoiding Misunderstanding
At the time, the Jewish people had strong expectations of a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel to glory. Jesus' mission, however, was not about political revolution but spiritual salvation. By keeping His identity secret, He could avoid the risk of being misunderstood or prematurely forced into a role that was not His true mission.
Timing of Revelation
Jesus may have wanted to control the timing of the full revelation of His identity. His mission involved suffering, death, and resurrection, which would only be fully understood after these events. Premature disclosure could have led to misunderstandings or hindered His mission.
Protection from Opposition
Openly declaring Himself as the Messiah could have quickly escalated the hostility of religious and political leaders, leading to His arrest and crucifixion before the appointed time. By keeping His identity secret, Jesus could continue His ministry and teaching without immediate interference.
Encouraging Personal Discovery
Jesus often encouraged people to come to their own understanding of His identity rather than just accepting it from others. This could help them develop a deeper and more personal faith.
The "Messianic Secret" is a complex and debated topic in biblical scholarship, but these reasons together provide a possible explanation for Jesus' instruction to His disciples.
The account in Mark 8:22–30 describes a unique miracle where Jesus heals a blind man in two distinct stages.
1. First Touch: After leading the blind man out of the village, Jesus applies saliva to his eyes and lays hands on him. When asked if he can see anything, the man responds, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." His vision is partially restored but remains unclear.
2. Second Touch: Jesus places his hands on the man's eyes again, and this time, his sight is fully restored, and he sees everything clearly.
Interpretations and Lessons:
Gradual Revelation of Spiritual Insight
Contextual Significance: This miracle occurs amidst a series of events where Jesus' disciples display a lack of understanding about His teachings and mission. Just before this account, Jesus warns them about the "yeast of the Pharisees," and they misunderstand His metaphor (Mark 8:14–21).
Symbolism: The two-stage healing mirrors the disciples' spiritual journey. Initially, they perceive Jesus and His teachings dimly, much like the man's blurred vision. Over time, through continued guidance and revelation, their understanding becomes clear.
Peter's Confession: Immediately following this miracle, Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 8:29), indicating a moment of clearer spiritual insight, albeit still incomplete, as Peter later misunderstands the nature of Jesus' messianic mission.
Demonstration of Process in Healing and Faith
Not All Healing is Instantaneous: This account illustrates that healing—both physical and spiritual—can be a process. It encourages patience and continued faith, even when results aren't immediate.
Active Participation: The blind man's responses and engagement with Jesus during the healing process highlight the importance of active participation and communication in one's spiritual journey.
Highlighting Jesus' Sovereignty
Intentionality: The two-stage healing wasn't due to any limitation on Jesus' part but served a deliberate purpose. It showcases Jesus' authority to heal in varied manners and His sensitivity to individual needs.
Summary
The two-stage healing of the blind man serves as a metaphor for the disciples' (and by extension, all believers') journey from spiritual blindness to sight. It emphasizes that understanding and faith often develop progressively, requiring continual interaction with and revelation from Jesus.