Mark 9-16
by Robert M. Solomon
In the first part of Mark, we witnessed Jesus being introduced as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Servant King. Mark 1–8 showed Jesus as God’s obedient servant in His ministry, along with His compassion, authority, power, and sense of mission.
In the second part, which starts with Jesus’ transfiguration in Mark 9:2–13, the story of Jesus’ ministry starts off on a high note but soon shifts to a darker mood. Right after Peter’s confession, we see descriptions of the Servant King’s suffering and eventual death on the cross at the hands of His enemies.
The heavy price Jesus paid for complete obedience to His Father’s will lets readers understand that their devotion to the Servant King may likewise lead them to face persecution and even death. But Jesus’ powerful resurrection dispels all gloom, enabling His faithful followers to face suffering with purpose and hope.
The Structure of Mark 9–16
Teaching on the Mount of Olives
Jesus’ resurrection and ascension
