• Introduction
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12
    • 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[a] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
  • Mark 8:22 – 26: Jesus Heals a Blind Man
    • Spit: Practical
      • Progressive healing
        • The disciples recognize Jesus as the Messiah but still struggled to believe as we see in later verses
    • Don’t go back into the village

Don’t tell anyone! – avoiding unnecessary attention

Add A Note

  • Who do you say I am?
      • Mark 8:27 – 30: Peter’s Declaration
        • You are the Messiah!
  • Don’t tell anyone – disciples do not yet understand the mission to the cross/king by force
      • Mark 8:31 – 37: Jesus Predicts His Death
        • Get behind me Satan! – Peter’s boldness/Peter’s love
        • If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
          • Give up your own ways/understanding
      • Mark 9:2 – 13: The Transfiguration
        • Peter didn’t know what to say – so he just started talking (theme)
          • God uses the broken
            • David, Solomon, Peter, etc. 
        • Listen to him! – supporting Jesus’ previous statements and claims
  • Don’t tell anyone until after the resurrection 

Add A Note

  • Anything is possible if a person believes – prayer
    • Mark 9:14 – 29: Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
      • Disciples unable
        • Jesus frustrated; Psalm 95:8–11
      • Help my unbelief 
        • Jesus emphasizes the power of faith
      • Only through fasting and prayer
        • Disciples enamored with previous successes; trusting in themselves rather than prayer and connection to God

Sermon Questions

  1. The big idea of this sermon  was the idea of having “seeing things imperfectly”. Despite looking forward to seeing the Messiah come, the disciples seemingly didn’t understand what Jesus had planned. How do we walk with faith through situations we don’t understand?
  2. We can often get caught up in arguing over things that seem like an important matter. How can we set aside preferences and opinions in order to come together to help this in need?

Add A Note

Email my notes