Question 1

What does it mean that some would see the kingdom of God come with power?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus said some standing there would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come with power, he was pointing ahead to a near event, not to the end of the world. This seems to refer to the beginning of his kingdom after his resurrection, when the gospel would be preached with power and many people would turn to him. The transfiguration that follows gives a preview of his glory, but the full coming in power is seen in his risen life and in the spread of the good news by the Spirit.

Question 2

Why was Jesus transfigured before Peter, James, and John?

Accepted Answer

Jesus had just spoken about his suffering and death, which must have been hard for the disciples to accept. On the mountain, he is transfigured so that his clothes shine brighter than anything on earth, and Moses and Elijah appear talking with him. This gives the three disciples a glimpse of his true glory and shows that the Law and the Prophets point to him. The Father’s voice, saying, “This is my beloved Son, hear him,” confirms that Jesus is the one they must listen to, even when he speaks of the cross.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the father’s cry, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief?

Accepted Answer

The father of the suffering boy desperately wants Jesus to help, but he is struggling with doubt after the disciples failed. When Jesus tells him that all things are possible to the one who believes, the man honestly admits both faith and weakness: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” This shows that real faith can be mixed with fear and questions. Jesus does not turn him away for having imperfect faith. Instead, he answers this humble prayer, which encourages us to bring our shaky faith to him and ask for help to trust more.

Question 4

Why could the disciples not cast out the demon from the boy?

Accepted Answer

The disciples had cast out demons before, but this time they failed. After Jesus frees the boy, they ask him privately why they could not do it. He tells them, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Their problem was not a lack of technique but a lack of deep dependence on God. Some battles, especially hard spiritual ones, require a life of real prayer and self-denial. Jesus shows that power in ministry does not rest in us, but in God, whom we must seek earnestly.

Question 5

Why were the disciples arguing about who should be the greatest?

Accepted Answer

On the road, the disciples had been arguing about who among them was the greatest, likely thinking about rank and honor in what they expected of Jesus’ kingdom. When Jesus asks them about it in the house, they are ashamed and keep quiet. He then sits down, calls the twelve, and teaches that anyone who wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. By taking a child in his arms, he shows that true greatness is shown in humble service and in welcoming those who seem small and unimportant.

Question 6

What does Jesus mean when he says whoever receives a child in his name receives him?

Accepted Answer

Jesus puts a child in the middle of the disciples and holds the child in his arms. He tells them that whoever receives one of such children in his name receives him, and whoever receives him receives the One who sent him. This means that how we treat the weak, the unnoticed, and simple believers matters deeply to God. Serving and welcoming those who belong to Jesus, even if they seem unimportant, is counted as welcoming Jesus himself, and even welcoming God the Father who sent him.

Question 7

Why did Jesus say not to forbid the man casting out demons in his name?

Accepted Answer

John tells Jesus they tried to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not following with their group. Jesus answers, “Forbid him not,” and explains that someone doing miracles in his name will not quickly speak evil of him. He adds, “He that is not against us is on our part.” This teaches that God can work through people outside our circles, as long as they truly honor Jesus. Instead of jealously guarding a group identity, Jesus wants his followers to rejoice whenever his name is truly served.

Question 8

What does Jesus mean about cutting off your hand, foot, or eye if they cause you to sin?

Accepted Answer

Jesus uses very strong word pictures when he talks about a hand, foot, or eye that causes someone to sin. He says it is better to lose one of these than to be thrown with two into hell, where the fire is not quenched and their worm does not die. He is not telling people to harm themselves, but showing how serious sin is. Anything that leads us away from God is so dangerous that we should part with it rather than cling to it and end up under God’s judgment.

Question 9

What does it mean that everyone will be salted with fire?

Accepted Answer

The line about everyone being salted with fire is hard and has been read in more than one way. In this passage, Jesus connects it with sacrifice and with salt that gives flavor. A common understanding is that God’s purifying work in our lives can feel like fire, yet it sets us apart for him, like sacrifices in the past were salted. Believers are to be like good salt, kept from losing their “taste” by God’s word and work in them, so that they can help preserve and bring peace among one another.

Question 10

What does this passage teach about hell where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched?

Accepted Answer

Jesus speaks very plainly about hell here. He calls it a place where the fire is not quenched and “their worm dieth not.” This picture shows ongoing suffering and judgment. He uses this sober warning to stress how serious sin is, especially causing “little ones” who believe in him to stumble. The point is not to satisfy our curiosity about details, but to wake us up. It is better to lose anything in this life than to hold onto sin and face God’s final judgment without mercy.

Mark 9:1

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto 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.

The Transfiguration

The Boy with an Evil Spirit

The Second Prediction of the Passion

The Greatest in the Kingdom

Temptations and Trespasses

Temptations and Trespasses

Temptations and Trespasses

Good Salt

The Transfiguration

Cross References

Mark 9:1

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto 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.

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The Transfiguration

The Boy with an Evil Spirit

The Second Prediction of the Passion

The Greatest in the Kingdom

Temptations and Trespasses

Temptations and Trespasses

Temptations and Trespasses

Good Salt

The Transfiguration

Cross References