Mark 9

The kingdom of God come with power

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. Mark 9:1

Jesus promises that some disciples will see His kingdom come with power before they die. Matthew words it as seeing 'the Son of man coming in his kingdom', and Mark places it right before the Transfiguration, where three apostles see His glory.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 16:28 — 'Till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.'
• a parallel account in Luke 9:27 — Luke's account of the same promise.

The Transfiguration

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2–6

On the mountain Jesus's glory shines through, and Moses and Elijah come to talk with Him. The law and the prophets meet the One they testified of, and the three apostles see Him as He truly is.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 17:1-4 — Matthew's account of the Transfiguration.
• a parallel account in Luke 9:28-33 — Luke's account, adding that they spoke of His decease at Jerusalem.
• the same event in 2 Peter 1:16-18 — Peter's eyewitness testimony of His majesty 'in the holy mount.'
• alluded to by D&C 63:21 — The pattern shown to the apostles upon the mount of transfiguration.

My Beloved Son: hear Him

Beloved Son — the Father's own name for Jesus

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. Mark 9:7–8

God the Father speaks from the cloud and testifies that Jesus is His Beloved Son, commanding the apostles to listen to Him. When the vision ends, 'Jesus only' remains — He is the one to follow.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Mark 1:11 — At His baptism: 'Thou art my beloved Son.'
• fulfils Deuteronomy 18:15 — Moses foretold a Prophet like him: 'unto him ye shall hearken.'
• the same title in Joseph Smith—History 1:17 — The Father in the First Vision: 'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:7 — The Father introduces Him to the Nephites: 'Behold my Beloved Son ... hear ye him.'
• the same event in 2 Peter 1:17 — Peter recalls the voice from the excellent glory.

Son of Man must suffer and rise

Son of Man — Son of the Man of Holiness

And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. Mark 9:9–13

Coming down from the glory of the mountain, Jesus speaks of His Resurrection and says the scriptures foretold that He must suffer and be treated as nothing. His glory and His suffering belong together.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 17:9-13 — Matthew's account of the conversation about Elias and the Son of Man.
• alludes to Isaiah 53:3 — 'He was despised, and we esteemed him not.'

Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief

Master — Teacher; Lord — a title of deity

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. Mark 9:14–29

A desperate father brings his son to Jesus and admits his faith is imperfect. Jesus honors that honest, small faith, casts out the spirit, and lifts up the boy who seemed dead.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 17:14-21 — Matthew's account of the healing of the lunatic boy.
• a parallel account in Luke 9:37-43 — Luke's account of the same healing.

Second prophecy of His death and Resurrection

Son of Man — Son of the Man of Holiness

And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. Mark 9:30–32

Jesus again tells His disciples plainly that He will be killed and rise on the third day. They do not understand yet, but He goes forward knowing exactly what His Atonement will cost.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 17:22-23 — Matthew's account of the second Passion prediction.
• fulfilled by Mark 16:6 — 'He is risen; he is not here.'
• fulfilled by 1 Corinthians 15:4 — 'He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.'

Receiving a child in His name receives Him and the Father

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 9:35–37

Jesus holds a child and teaches that kindness to the least, done in His name, is done to Him — and to the Father who sent Him. He came as the servant of all.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 18:2-5 — Matthew's account of the child set in the midst.
• a parallel account in Luke 9:46-48 — Luke's account, including 'him that sent me.'

In My name — ye belong to Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. Mark 9:38–42

Jesus teaches that miracles are done in His name, that His disciples 'belong to Christ', and that even a cup of water given in His name will be rewarded. Belonging to Him and believing in Him is what makes someone His.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 9:49-50 — Luke's account of the man casting out devils in His name.
• the same event in Matthew 10:42 — A cup of cold water given to a disciple will not lose its reward.