Don't Miss the Mark

October 15, 2023
Pastor Jack

three rustic tents

Mark 9:1-13

And he said to them, “Truly I say to you, that there are some of those standing here who will never experience death until they see the kingdom of God having come with power.” And after six days, Jesus took along Peter and James and John, and led them to a high mountain by themselves alone. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothing became radiant—extremely white, like no cloth refiner on earth can make so white. And Elijah appeared to them together with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! And let us make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (For he did not know what he should answer, because they were terrified.) And a cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus alone. And as they were coming down from the mountain, he ordered them that they should tell no one the things that they had seen, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. And they kept the matter to themselves, discussing what this rising from the dead meant. And they asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” And he said to them, “Elijah indeed does come first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that indeed Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they wanted, just as it is written about him.”

Transfiguration

Verses 1

  • Jesus has just revealed that He would suffer and die
  • In Acts (1:8 & 2:4) we see the Pentecost, Peter is speaking
  • Some of those from Mark 9:1 were in attendance
  • So, what’s the connection here?

Verses 2-8

  • “after six days” indicates this is a continuation of the earlier converstion
  • Peter, James & John; why these three?
    • John would have the longest ministry
    • James will have the shortest ministry (martyred)
    • Peter is the outspoken leader of the group
  • Jesus changes before them and is glowing brightly in pure white; they see Him as:
    • Almighty God
    • King of Kings
    • All Glory
  • Two others appear with Him
    • Who are they?
    • What do they represent? (Moses => Law & Elijah => Prophets)
    • What is the significance of their appearance?
  • Why do you think Peter wants to go camping?
  • What does God say?

Verses 9-13

  • Jesus is talking with the three as they walk down from the mountain (ministry in circles rather than pews 😉)
  • How are people restored? (repent & believe)
  • John the Baptist (a “type” of Elijah) had already come
  • Death has no victory!

Questions for Reflection

  • God said “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
  • Do you listen to Him?
  • Do you listen to Him through spiritual leaders?
  • Do you listen to God?
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