Mk. 9:6-13; Rom. 11:33-36, A Key to Biblical Interpretation

One of the most important keys to Bible interpretation is found in 1 Peter 1:10-12.  Peter speaks of the OT prophets who searched how and when the things they were prophesying would be fulfilled.  Specifically, they could not put together the sufferings and glory of Messiah.  In our recent studies in Daniel we saw this at least twice.  In Dan. 9:24-27 Daniel was told of “seventy weeks” to the fulfillment of the great Messianic purposes; but he was not told of what is now more than 2000 years between weeks 69 and 70.  Then in the prophecy of Dan. 10-12, Daniel is not permitted to reveal the contents of the book in Ch. 12.  Those things are for a future time and Daniel would go to his place of rest before these things happened.  As Peter put it, to them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel … things which angels desire to look into (1 Pt. 1:12). 

In his second letter Peter speaks of his first-hand knowledge, being an eyewitness on the holy mountain, having seen and heard.  In today’s passage from Mark 9 we see that it was a struggle for the Twelve to understand the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God and just how unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out (Rom. 11:33).  If you note the context you will see why this was so hard for the disciples.

·       In Mark 1-7 they have been part of Jesus’ rise in popularity, the display of His Messianic credentials, as well as the troubling opposition of the Jewish leaders.

·       In Mark 8, Jesus ministers to the Twelve.  Feeding the 5000 is more for them than the crowd (v4) as is the conversation on the boat (8:15-16). 

·       In Caesarea Philippi He is alone with the Twelve.  They correctly conclude that You are the Christ (8:27-30), which is the time He begins to tell them the Son of Man must suffer many things (8:31-33).  Peter rebukes Christ, because he cannot fathom the sufferings of Messiah in connection with His glories.  Jesus can, however; therefore, He rebukes Peter/Satan.  But more than rebuke, He also calls them to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Him (8:34-38).

·       This is followed by the Transfiguration.  Don’t overlook 9:1, that many standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God present with power.  That sounds like the glories of Messiah, and it sounds imminent.  Then less than a week later the Three see Jesus transfigured, and are told to tell no one about it until He rises from the dead, questioning what the rising from the dead meant! 

We can see how this might be a struggle to put together.  But give them credit; they ask a good question: Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?  This was how the leaders resolved Jesus’ claims: He can’t be Messiah because Elijah hasn’t come yet.  Malachi said this (Mal. 4:5-6).  Jesus does not argue but agrees: Indeed, Elijah is coming first. 

But then Jesus leads the Three to consider a more important question: How is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?  The struggle of the Scribes and the Twelve is that they, like the OT prophets, cannot see how the suffering and glory will all be true.  The hearts of the Scribes are hardened.  But Jesus is gently shepherding His flock, that they might patiently await the outworking of God’s plan. 

Someday, we too will be amazed at God’s deep wisdom and knowledge.  There is much that has been revealed about the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.  But there are things that God still has not revealed (e.g. Rev. 10:3-4).  We must wait patiently.  And in our waiting, we must not drift off into unbelief, following the skeptics who deny Jesus’ return (2 Peter 3).  We must not begin to deny the literal fulfillment of God’s promises, just because we don’t understand.  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us (2 Cor. 1:20).  For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen. (Rom. 11:33).