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Mark 9:1-10
9 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week we encounter Christ's glory revealed in the transfiguration. After Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus begins to share with the disciples about his coming death and resurrection. This would have come as a shock with 1st century expectations of a Messiah who establishes His kingdom in Jerusalem forever. A dying Messiah was a contradiction of terms. So, after sharing this news that would have likely discouraged his disciples, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain and the curtain is pulled back. Christ's true nature as the glorious Son is revealed. As the disciples are overshadowed by the cloud of God's glory and presence, they tremble in awe at the One who has been walking with them. The scene of the transfiguration shows us that God's glory is our strength and refreshment in times of suffering and difficulty, as it was for the disciples.
Review & Apply
Is there any significance to Jesus going up on a mountain to be transfigured?
Why do Moses and Elijah appear? What do they represent?
In the parallel passage in Luke, Jesus is speaking about his "exodus" or departure. Why do you think He refers to His death and resurrection in this way?
What is the significance of the cloud of glory? Where have you seen this symbol of God's presence in the Scriptures before?
What can we learn from the disciples' reaction to this revelation? How should we seek and respond to God's revealing of Himself to us?
How does this miracle lead us to not fear suffering, trouble or even death?
How does it help you listen to him?
How does it prepare us for life after death?
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