First Must Be Last
Gospel of Mark 9
“I tell you,” he added, “that some of those who are standing here will not know death till they have seen the kingdom of God come in power.” 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain alone by themselves. There his appearance was transformed before their eyes, 3 And his clothes became of a more dazzling white than any bleacher in the world could make them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them, in company with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.
5 “Rabbi,” said Peter, interposing, “it is good to be here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, because they were much afraid. 7 Then a cloud came down and enveloped them; and from the cloud there came a voice: “This is my beloved Son; him you must hear.” 8 And suddenly, on looking round, they saw that there was now no one with them but Jesus alone.
9 As they were going down the mountain-side, Jesus cautioned them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, till after the Son of Man should have risen again from the dead. 10 They seized upon these words and discussed with one another what this ‘rising from the dead’ meant. 11 “How is it,” they asked Jesus, “that our teachers of the law say that Elijah has to come first?”
12 “Elijah does indeed come first,” answered Jesus, “and re-establish everything; and does not scripture speak, with regard to the Son of Man, of his undergoing much suffering and being utterly despised? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and people have treated him just as they pleased, as scripture says of him.”
14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a great crowd round them, and some teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 But, as soon as they saw Jesus, all the people, in great astonishment, ran up and greeted him. 16 “What are you arguing about with them?” Jesus asked. 17 “Teacher,” answered a man in the crowd, “I brought my son to see you, as he has a dumb spirit in him; 18 And, wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth, and he is pining away. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they failed.”
19 “O faithless generation!” exclaimed Jesus. “How long must I be with you? how long must I have patience with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 They brought him to Jesus; but no sooner did the boy see him than the spirit threw him into convulsions; and he fell on the ground, and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has he been like this?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
22 “From his childhood,” he answered; “and it has often thrown him into fire and into water to put an end to his life; but, if you can possibly do anything, take pity on us, and help us!” 23 Why say ‘possibly’?” Jesus replied. “Everything is possible for one who has faith.” 24 The boy’s father immediately cried out: “I have faith; help my want of faith!”
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To continue reading Chapter 9 of the Gospel of Mark and how the first must be last, please click on page 2 below.
