Well, the Pharisees have shown up again, interrupted our Lord, and ruined another teaching opportunity for the Son of God. This time they have a question about marriage and divorce. The question is, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" Let's listen carefully to Jesus' answer and take note that God's design for marriage was established in the very beginning.

As Jesus sits quietly in the large upper room with His eleven apostles, He understands their worry and their concern for Him. He has told them what is coming and His hour is now at hand. He knows they are troubled and so He lovingly says to them, "Let not your hearts be trouble; you believe in God, believe also in Me."

This will be the second time that Jesus tells His apostles about His betrayal, execution, and resurrection. Mark tells us that the apostles were afraid to ask Jesus about this teaching. As we get to the end of our reading today, we'll hear Jesus tell us how to deal with sin in our lives. "Find it and cut it off!"

Martha will come to Jesus and say, "Lord, if you were here my brother would not have died." She's right about that, but God is doing something far greater. "It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

Peter, James, and John are coming down the mountain with the Lord, and they are met with a crowd of people and the disciples disputing with the scribes. A man has brought his only son, and he needs Jesus' help.

During the days of Jesus, there was a religious system that was well established and firmly set in place. There were religious leaders who were responsible for the people and their devotion to God. Matthew 9:36 tells us this, "When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." How sad!

As we make our way into Mark 9, we are reminded of all of the great things we have seen and learned about Jesus. He has proven Himself to be a wonderful compassionate Shepherd who helps the weak, heals the sick, and restores the broken. As wonderful as all of that has been, nothing can prepare us for what He will show us today. His glory will be revealed on the mount of transfiguration, and only three men will be allowed to go with Him and see this great event.

Today, Danny and Kurt will turn to John 10, where Jesus makes the striking claim that He is the Door. As we explore this together, we’ll uncover why He chose that image and what deeper realities about His care, His protection, and His calling are waiting behind that simple illustration.