What Jesus Did! 'Treated with Contempt' — Mark 9:11-13

Saturday, June 8, 2024

[After the Transfiguration, the disciples asked Jesus,] "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"

Jesus responded, "Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt? But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted."

— Mark 9:11-13 NLT

Key Thought

John the Baptist was the Elijah that preceded Jesus. John's death marked the beginning of strong opposition of the religious leaders to Jesus' ministry. His death also indicated how Jesus' ministry would end - in death at the hands of the political and religious power brokers. Why is it that God's servants are often treated with contempt by the powers of the world? Both the Bible and secular history reveal Satan's attempts to thwart any good work from God by attacking those leading that good work. Opposition, persecution, and martyrdom are not signs of God's disapproval. Many of God's greatest servants have faced such challenges, and God has used those challenges to advance their work rather than limit it.

Today's Prayer

God, my heavenly Father and Lord Almighty, please give me the courage I need to endure whatever the world or Satan may direct toward me. I know your servants through the ages have had to face many difficulties. Give me the strength to honor you no matter what the circumstances of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

First Comes Elijah
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then [the three apostles asked Jesus], "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?" Jesus..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:11-13 NLT — "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 8, 2024

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Spousal Mistreatment Hinders Prayer' (1 Pe. 3:7)
"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are,...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Strong in Christ' (Ep. 6:10-12)
"Dear Father, King, and Commander of the holy armies, Though you have lifted me up to reign in the heavenly places with Christ, remind me that your..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon:
"Defend the Bible? I would just as soon defend a lion. Just turn the Bible loose. It will defend itself."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Job 37:5-6
"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth," and to the rain shower, "Be a....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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.

More What Jesus Did!