The lectionary moves directly from the story on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:1-8) to Jesus' second "passion/resurrection" prediction (9:30-37). In the intervening passages we see the fear and unbelief of the disciples clearly portrayed. Peter, James and John come down from the mountain with Jesus. They have failed to understand what Jesus means by the "rising of the dead" (Mark 9:10). These are precisely the same disciples who were with Jesus when he raised a twelve-year-old girl from death (Mark 5:35-43). These are the disciples who have just come down from the mountain where the dead were alive! Moses and Elijah were there with them. Still, they fail to understand.

Meanwhile, back on earth, the other disciples have failed in their efforts to drive an evil spirit from a young lad. Jes…