Scripture Reading : Mark 9:2-29
Theme : What We Need – Humility
- Special Revelation. After predicting His death and resurrection, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John. Such special revelation was given to the disciples in order to strengthen their faith for the upcoming events of Jesus’ crucifixion.
- Special Resurrection. Even though Peter, James and John had special revelation from God, they were commanded not to tell anyone about it. Only after Jesus’ resurrection will people believe the disciples’ message. At this stage, talking about seeing Moses and Elijah would only attract unnecessary attention that might hinder Jesus’ mission to die on the cross.
- Special Reliance. The disciples thought that they had already been given the authority to cast out demons. They became proud and stopped relying on God through prayer. This is not a special formula for casting out certain kinds of demons, as taught in some circles, but Jesus rebuking the disciples for not relying on God.
Praying the Scripture
- Abraham told the rich man who went to hell, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31) God has given us His special revelation in His written Word (the Bible). The Bible is more precious than miracles of healing. Let us thank God for His revelation to us.
- Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) There is a place for personal testimony, but only the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection will save someone. Instead of focusing on personal experiences or amazing testimonies of others, we should focus on the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Let us pray that we will not be led astray by stories of personal experiences, but remain faithful to the Word of God.
- Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Let us pray that we will not rely on our own strength and wisdom when we serve God (or do anything!), but constantly rely on God through prayer. Let us pray that we will pray!
经文：马可福音9:2-29
主题：我们需要的——谦卑
- 特别启示。预言自己的死和复活后，耶稣在彼得、雅各和约翰前变了形象。门徒们领受如此特别的启示，为的是要坚固他们的信心，预备耶稣钉十字架前将至的各种事件。
- 特别复活。虽然彼得、雅各和约翰从神领受了特别启示，他们被命令不可告诉任何人。唯有耶稣复活后，人才会相信门徒的信息。这时候，向人说看到摩西和以利亚的事只会引来不必要的关注，甚至妨碍耶稣死在十字架上的使命。
- 特别依靠。众门徒以为他们已经领受了赶鬼的权柄，所以变得骄傲，停止祷告依靠神。不像一些人所教导的，这不是什么赶鬼的秘诀；耶稣是因门徒不依靠神而指责他们。
用经文祷告
- 亚伯拉罕对那下地狱的财主说：“若不听从摩西和先知的话，就是有一个从死里复活的，他们也是不听劝”（路16:31）。神藉着祂书面的话（圣经）给予我们祂特别的启示。圣经比医治的神迹更可贵。让我们感谢神给予我们的启示。
- 耶稣告诉多马：“那没有看见就信的有福了！”（约20:29）。个人见证有益，但唯有耶稣基督的死与复活的福音信息才能救人。我们不应该把精神全放在传个人经历或他人的奇妙见证上，而是要瞩目耶稣死里复活的信息。让我们祷告我们不会被个人经历的种种故事而被引入歧途，乃要忠心于神的道。
- 诗篇127:1：“若不是耶和华建造房屋，建造的人就枉然劳力；若不是耶和华看守城池，看守的人就枉然警醒。”让我们祷告我们不会依靠自己的能力和智慧事奉神（或任何事！），而是藉着祷告持续依赖神。让我们祈求我们会祷告！
