Thoughts From the Bible

Mark 9: 11- 13-  Jesus was aware of Biblical prophecy and knew how the coming events in His life would be fulfilling pro phecy. The disciples were aware of some of these prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah.  Jesus speaks directly to one of the prophecies. Verses  11, 12 and 13 say,  ‘(11) And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say, that Elijah must come first?” (12) Then He  answered  and told them, “ Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things; and how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? (13) But I say to you that Elijah has also  come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”’   Bible scholars tell us this passage refers to the ministry of John the Baptist where John preached in the spirit of Elijah and announced the soon coming ministry of the Messiah.  Jesus was respectful of the scriptures as they were in His...

Read Mark 9: 1- 10 Three of the disciples were with Jesus when He was transfigured and rose from the earth. He then spoke with  Elijah and Moses who appeared with Jesus. How earth shattering is this whole scene? Of this  passage,  there are two key verses. In verse seven we read this,   ‘ And a cloud came and overshadowed   the m; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, Hear Him!” ’   This statement was for the disciples.  This statement is for us. We need to listen acutely to what Jesus has said.  The second key message is in verse  nine,  “Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had see n, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”  This is the first these three disciples had heard from Jesus about rising from the dead. That meant He would die. These thre e disciples had an earth-shaking event. Firs t, they see Jesus transfigured and spe...

Read Matthew 17: 9- 13 - Why did the religious leaders not recognize John the Baptist for who he was? John the Baptist was announcing the coming of Jesus, but John the Baptist did not fit the preconceived role the religious leaders were expecting. In verses 12 and 13 Jesus makes this clear to His disciples, ‘ “ But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also, the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands. ” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. ’ I wonder how much I miss because Jesus sends a messenger I’m not expecting . The religious leaders were so entrenched and focused on their rituals and religious activities they did not recognize the spiritual message of John the Baptist. I will also contend John the Baptist did not have the appearance the religious leaders' thought was appropriate . I need to make sure I am listening to the message Jesus may be w...