ACC ~ Mark 9 v30 - 32

OVERVIEW:

John Chrysostom commented on how little the disciples grasped the meaning of the clearly predicted death of the Lord. Even after all these revealing miracles, after this distinct unveiling of Jesus’ identity from the voice from above and after the direct prediction of his death and resurrection, they missed the point and were preoccupied with their own anxiety (CHRYSOSTOM).

9:32a | They Did Not Understand

ON NOT UNDERSTANDING

CHRYSOSTOM: It is remarkable how, when Peter had been rebuked, [1] and Moses and Elijah had discoursed, [2] and had seen the glory of what was coming, and the Father had uttered a voice from above, [3] and so many miracles had been done, and the resurrection was right at the door (for he said, he should by no means abide any long time in death, but should be raised the third day), [4] even after all that they did not fathom what was happening. Rather they were troubled, and not merely troubled, but exceedingly mournful. [5] Now this arose from their being ignorant as yet of the force of his sayings. [6] THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 58.1. [7]

[1] Cf. Mt 16:23; Mk 8:33.

[2] Cf. Mt 17:3; Mk 9:4; Lk 9:30.

[3] Cf. Mt 3:17; 17:5; Mk 1:11; 9:7; Lk 3:22.

[4] Cf. Jn 2:19-22.

[5] Cf. Mt 17:23.

[6] Cf. Mk 9:32; Lk 9:45.

[7] TLG 2062.152, 58.565.45-53; cf. NPNF 1 10:358

THE REASON FOR GRIEF

CHRYSOSTOM: If ignorant, how could they be sorrowful? [1] Because they were not altogether ignorant. They knew that he was soon to die, for they had continually been told about it. But just what this death might mean, they did not grasp clearly, nor that there would be a speedy recognition of it, from which innumerable blessings would flow. They did not see that there would be a resurrection. This is why they grieved. [2] THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 58. [3]

[1] Cf. Mt 17:23; Mk 9:32; Lk 9:45.

[2] Cf. Mt 17:23.

[3] TLG 2062.152, 58.566.37-43; NPNF 1 10:358**.

9:32b | They Were Afraid to Ask

BENT BY PREVIOUS ASSUMPTIONS

ANONYMOUS: They were greatly grieved [1] because they had formed a very different notion previously in their minds and hearts. A TREATISE ON REBAPTISM 9. [2]

[1] Cf. Mt 17:23.

[2] PL 3:1193A-B; ANF 5 672*.