The Transfiguration and the Disciples' Faith in Mark 9

Mark 9:1

1 And he said to them, Truly I say to you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

Mark 9:1 refers to the Transfiguration, where Jesus fulfilled His promise to show certain disciples a miniature representation of His future kingdom come with power1SG 43.2+2.

The Fulfillment of the Promise

Jesus promised that some standing with Him would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come with power Mark 9:1HOMI October 1893, page 195.23+1. This was not a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem or a literal establishment of an earthly kingdom at that time, but was fulfilled about eight days later on the mount of transfiguration Luke 9:28ARSH February 14, 1854, page 28.4+2. Peter, James, and John were the chosen eye-witnesses who saw the Son of man coming in His kingdom through this vision of His majesty Matthew 17:1ARSH April 18, 1854, page 99.7+2.

A Miniature Representation of the Second Advent

The transfiguration served as a visual pattern and sure pledge of the second coming of Christ in gloryARSH April 18, 1854, page 99.7+2. In this scene, the various elements of the future kingdom were present in miniatureHLv 285.4+1:

• Jesus Christ: He appeared in His glorified body, His face shining like the sun and His raiment white as the light, representing His appearance at the second advent Matthew 17:2SH 59.2+2.

• Moses: He represented the righteous dead who will be raised from their graves at the last trump 1 Corinthians 15:52Hvn 102.3+3.

• Elijah: He represented the living saints who will be translated to immortality without seeing death when Christ returns 1 Corinthians 15:51Hvn 102.3+3.

Evidence of Divinity and Future Glory

The event provided undeniable evidence to the disciples that Jesus was the Messiah, as they heard the voice of God from the excellent glory acknowledging Him as His beloved Son Matthew 17:51SG 43.2+2. Peter later used this experience to assure believers that the "power and coming" of the Lord were not cunningly devised fables, because he had been an eye-witness of that majesty on the holy mount 2 Peter 1:16-18SITI December 22, 1887, page 775.4+2. This manifestation of royal splendor, which Jesus had laid aside for His earthly ministry, was intended to strengthen the disciples for the upcoming humiliation and death of their Master3Red 122.1+2.

Mark 9:18

18 And wherever he takes him, he tears him: and he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away: and I spoke to your disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

In Mark 9:18 the disciples mentioned were those who remained at the base of the mountain while Jesus, Peter, James, and John were away at the TransfigurationGCDB February 27, 1899, page 93.5+1. These nine disciples were unable to cast out a torturing spirit from a young boy, leading to a public struggle with their own lack of faith and the scrutiny of the scribesHLv 288.3+1.

The Nine Disciples at the Plain

While Jesus was transfigured on the mount, the nine disciples remaining below were approached by a father seeking relief for his son who had a dumb spirit Mark 9:17-18. Although authority over unclean spirits had been conferred upon them during their first missionary journey, they were unable to cast this particular demon out Mark 10:1DA 427.2.

• A Public Failure: Their inability to perform the miracle deeply mortified them, especially as the scribes used the opportunity to humiliate them and question the authority of their MasterHLv 288.3+1.

• The Cause of Defeat: Jesus later explained that their failure was due to their unbelief and a lack of spiritual preparation through prayer and fasting Matthew 17:21DA 429.4+1.

• The Conflict with Darkness: Their carelessness regarding the sacred work committed to them had shut them out from a deeper sympathy with Christ, leaving them powerless in the conflict with the powers of darknessDA 429.4.

The Commission and the Power

The disciples had previously experienced great success in healing and casting out devils when they went forth strong in faithEW 191.2+1.

• The Original Gift: Jesus had called the twelve and given them power against unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and disease Matthew 10:112MR 307.2.

• The Gospel Mandate: This power was not just for the twelve but was bound up with the gospel commission itself, as Jesus commanded them to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, and raise the dead Matthew 10:7-8CCh 308.2+1.

• A Warning for All: The experience of these disciples serves as a lesson that without entire dependence upon God and perfect consecration, the follower of Christ cannot vanquish the enemy of souls2SP 335.3.

The Human Touch in Ministry

Despite their failure in this instance, the disciples were called to be "fishers of men," requiring a personal, life-touching-life approach to ministryGCB May 22, 1913, page 102.1.

• The Need for Faith: Christ encouraged them that even faith as small as a grain of mustard seed could remove mountains and make nothing impossible for them Matthew 17:202SP 335.3.

• Healing as Part of Proclaiming: Teaching and healing were never intended to be separated in God's work, as physical restoration remains a vital part of the gospel message12MR 307.2+1.

• The Power of the Spirit: After Christ's resurrection, the disciples were endued with even greater power from on high to bear witness to His truth throughout the earth Acts 1:8RH April 22, 1890, par. 1.