Mark-Lesson 13

Lesson 13

Transformation and Exhortation

Mark 9

Knowing the Scriptures

Studies in Mark’s Gospel

LAST WEEK IN REVIEW

Lesson 12 focused on Jesus’ two important questions demanding an answer:  Who do you say I am, and who will you live for?  The compassion of Jesus was in action once again as He fed the multitudes.  They experienced physical fullness, yet Jesus wanted them to experience the fullness that knowing Him brings.   Throughout the rest of Mark 8 there was a running theme of blindness vs. true sight.  The Pharisees had blinded themselves out of bias against Jesus, seeking a sign from Him while many signs had already been done, even right in their midst. The disciples allowed themselves to be blinded to the truths Jesus was trying to teach them through all these things.  They then came across a blind man who was restored to seeing clearly again, a living symbol of what God was trying to teach them (and us) through this all.  The chapter then closed with Peter’s inspired claim that Jesus was the Messiah, then his flesh-inspired rebuke of the Lord, Jesus’ harsh redirection, and Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship. 

The chapter also closed out the first section of our studies.  As you may remember from our Introduction, Mark is divided as follows:

I.  Jesus’ Galilean Ministry, Mark 1:1-8:26 (Lessons 1-12)

II.  From Galilee to Jerusalem, Mark 8:27-10:52 (Lessons 13-15)

III.  The Passion of the Son of Man, Mark 11-16 (Lessons 16-22)

At this time, Jesus “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 nkjv), and in this middle section of Mark we’ll see how there is a definite change in things from Caesarea Philippi on.  As far as the chapter division between Mark 8 and 9 is concerned, most people consider that Mark 9:1 should have been actually Mark 8:39 for it ties in with what Jesus was saying then, but also in what is covered in chapter 9.

DAY ONE:  Transformation and Illumination

Please carefully read Mark 9:1-13 and answer the following questions.

1.  In transition between the end of Mark 8 and the events of Mark 9, what amazing thing did Jesus say after proclaiming the establishment of His physical Kingdom at the end of the age (9:1)?

2.  Six days later, Jesus took the inner circle of the disciples (Peter, James, and John) with Him on a special journey, which became one of the most amazing things in the earthly ministry of Jesus.  How do verses 2-4 describe this event?

The word transfiguration in Greek is metamorphoo, from which we get our word metamorphosis, a change into another form, to transform, to transfigure; here from a natural form to a supernatural form.[i]  It describes a change on the outside that comes from the inside, and serves as a preview of the full establishment of the kingdom of God at Jesus’ return.[ii]  This transfiguration was a change that began with what was already in the heart of Jesus rather than by some outside force, and His essential glory was revealed.[iii] With Him were Moses, who represents the resurrected souls, and Elijah, who represents the raptured believers.[iv]  I believe it was Greg Laurie who said that the miracle wasn’t that Jesus transfigured Himself like this, but that He kept it from happening all the time!  This important event is recorded in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), but for some reason John didn’t choose to include this in his Gospel as one of the signs Jesus performed.

3.  Peter and the others were totally awestruck.  At such an awesome moment which we don’t understand and which seemed to them no doubt that the literal kingdom had arrived, it is best not to say anything.  But poor Peter was so blown away, he couldn’t help himself.  What did he blurt out, and what was the response to this (v. 5-8)?  How should Psalm 141:3 be part of our daily prayer to the Lord in view of our tendency to just shoot off our mouths?

4.  After this was completed, they headed back to join the other disciples, and interestingly Jesus told them not to tell anyone else about it until He died and rose again.  How did these three react to this, and what else did they question Jesus about in view of the transfiguration (v. 10-13)?

5.  God warned Peter (and us today) to “hear Him” or listen to His beloved Son.  That phrasing is a present imperative, speaking of continuous action: “Be constantly hearing Him.” The verb “hear,” akouo in this context does not merely refer to the act of hearing, in the sense of listening to, but to the act of obeying what is heard in response; so we need to be constantly listening to Him and obeying what He asks of us.  How did all of this fulfill the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15, 19, 22, and how did Peter himself use this experience in 2 Peter 1:16-19?

Scripture Memory:  This week we will be memorizing Mark 9:50.  Review the passage several times throughout the day each day this week, and by the end of the week, you should have it memorized completely.

Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another. Mark 9:50 (nkjv)