Daily Lesson for Tuesday 13th of August 2024

In Mark 9:1, Jesus predicts that some standing with Him would not taste death before seeing the kingdom of God come in power. That prediction is fulfilled within a few days when He takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain alone. There He is transfigured before them into the glory of the heavenly kingdom.

Image © Providence Collection at Goodsalt.com

Elijah and Moses appear from the heavenly realm and converse with Jesus. Luke notes that they were talking about Jesus’ departure (Greek exodos) that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31). Thus, this scene of glory is tied to Jesus’ coming death on the cross (compare with Mark 9:9). It would give hope when the disciples see Him crucified.

Upon descending the mountain the following morning, the three disciples ask Jesus about Elijah coming first. Likely this idea is tied to the expectation that Elijah would reappear before the Messiah (compare with Malachi 4:5-6). Jesus replies that Elijah has already come, a reference to John the Baptist. Just as they killed John, so Jesus will die at their hands, but He will rise after three days.

After the night of glory, the scene at the bottom of the mountain was sad chaos (see Mark 9:14-29). The nine disciples had encountered a demon-possessed boy whom they could not heal. When Jesus arrives at the scene, everyone runs to see Him. The story unfolds of the demon’s power over the child. Jesus seems to take a long time inquiring about the details of the demon possession. It proves too much for the father, who blurts out, “ ‘If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us’ ” (Mark 9:22, NKJV).

Jesus immediately picks up on the expression of doubt. The Lord’s response can be paraphrased, “What do you mean, ‘If You can’?” (Mark 9:23). Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning from the sky, the father sees that it is not only his son who has a problem—he has a problem of unbelief. And his unbelief could result in his son not being healed. The desperate father casts himself on Jesus’ mercy with the memorable line, “ ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ ” (Mark 9:24, NKJV). Jesus heals the boy.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24c-07-the-mountain-and-the-multitude/

It is wonderful to travel through John Mark’s life and see the beautiful story climax with 
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today – Hymn 166, therefore 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378. These two hymns give us a purpose all during this quarter to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus. May you enjoy these hymns for your theme hymn from which to choose.

Sabbath afternoon’s introduction raises the questioning for each of us to follow Jesus, just as He was asking each person he came in contact with in the Bible verses in Mark. Can I heartily sing all this week 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow, Thee my Saviour?

A number of times this week, the teaching of Jesus was about His death to come on the cross. Here I can instruct myself to sing 
Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken – Hymn 325 so that I may follow You.

 As with the father in Tuesday’s study saying “I believe, help my unbelief!” I wish to be singing
I Do Believe – Hymn 486.

Jesus’ illustration on Wednesday gives us two beautiful hymns: 
Jesus, Friend of Little Children – Hymn 543 and A Child Of The King – Hymn 468.

lease continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless many others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/7-teaching-disciples-part-1-singing-with-understanding/

Key Thought: In Mark chapters 8-10, Jesus teaches the disciples about His journey. He gives special instructions on discipleship, who He is, and where He is going. He also confronts us today with the cost and benefit of following Jesus.
August 17, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read Mark 8:34-38.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does Jesus teach here about the cost of following Jesus?
3. Personal Application: Is it ever important not to say some things, even if they are true? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does it mean that whoever loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life? What does this mean? Doesn’t God want us to be happy?.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Mark 9:1-13.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What did Peter, James, and John see one night with Jesus?
3. Personal Application: In what situation have you had to think – “I believe, help my unbelief”? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can I balance being on the mountaintop of happiness and thoughtfulness, and the down to earth experiences with the realities and challenges of life?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 9:30-41.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is different about Jesus’ second prediction about His resurrection and death here?
3. Personal Application: What is the Biblical idea of greatness and how does it contrast with the worldly idea of greatness? Which one are you striving for? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What did the disciples argue about, and what instruction did Jesus give them? What focus was Jesus speaking about, and were the disciples focusing on the same thing?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Mark 9:42-50.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What ties the teachings of Jesus together in this passage?
3. Personal Application: How can we learn to take sin so seriously that we’d be better off maimed or dead than to sin? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/7-teaching-disciples-part-1-teaching-plan/