What Jesus Did! 'Waiting Before Witnessing' — Mark 9:9-10

Monday, June 6, 2016

Jesus and the followers were walking back down the mountain. Jesus commanded the followers, "Don't tell any person about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until after the Son of Man rises from death. Then you can tell people what you saw." So the followers obeyed Jesus and said nothing about what they saw. But they discussed what Jesus meant about rising from death.
— Mark 9:9-10 NLT
Illustration of Mark 9:9-10 NLT — "Don't tell any person about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until after the Son of Man rises from death. Then you can tell people what you saw."

Key Thought

Jesus didn't want his three key followers telling others about what had happened on the mountain when he spoke with Moses and Elijah. Why? There are many reasons. First, they did not yet fully understand what had happened. Second, they didn't understand what lay ahead for Jesus—his death and resurrection. Third, no one would believe them, much less understand that Jesus was superior to Moses and Elijah. Fourth, those who followed Jesus based on this kind of testimony would have been looking only for a "special effects" Jesus rather than the servant Messiah he chose to be. They needed to wait and let God fully reveal who Jesus is and then they could share with others what they had seen and heard.

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me share Jesus properly with others. I want my friends and loved ones to know of his saving grace, his awesome power, and his ultimate triumph over sin and death. Help me know how and when to share these things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Jude 1:25
  • 2 Peter 1:16-18
  • 1 Peter 3:15-16

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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