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Mark 9:1-13 + Prepared by Justin Lindstrom

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Mark 9:1-13 + Prepared by Justin Lindstrom CHRIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY + MARK 9:1-13 + PREPARED BY JUSTIN LINDSTROM INTRODUCTION The transfiguration is a unique event in the gospel traditions. It is not an expression the reign of God breaking into history or part of a public argument about Jesus’ identity and mission, nor is it a sign pointing to something else. [Page 169] [The transfiguration] does not resolve doubt, nor does it tie up loose threads in Jesus’ ministry. Its central feature is a statement about Jesus spoken by a voice from a cloud, something not found in any resurrection appearances. [Page 169] The presence of Moses and Elijah is one of the most puzzling aspect of this account…[They] frame the covenant history of the people of Israel, and the connection between them is revisited in the opening verses of Mark. The connection between the transfiguration and the covenant is strengthened by two other features in this text. One is Mark’s location the event after six days. This phrase recalls the sequence of events in Exodus 24:16 when the glory of the Lord descended on the mountain after six days. The second allusion is the word transfigured. In Greek literature it can be used to describe the transformation of something or someone into something else. [Page 170] The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Mark by Ronald J. Kernaghan. InterVarsity Press ©2007. TEXT 1 And [Jesus] said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” The Transfiguration 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. The Coming of Elijah 9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. 11 Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” New Revised Standard Version QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT 1. How will the kingdom of God come? [vs. 1] 2. What does it mean that Jesus was transfigured? [vss. 2-6] 3. The voice of God comes from the clouds. This happens with Jesus at another time. When? How are these two events similar? Different? What do they mean taken together? [vss. 6-7] 4. Why does Jesus tell the disciples to not tell anyone about what took place until he is resurrected? [vs. 9] 5. Why is it important for Moses and Elijah to be brought into this story? {vs. 5] What is the covenant God has with his people? [vss. 8-13] DIVE DEEPER QUESTIONS 1. If transfiguration means transformed into something or someone new, how does Jesus transform us? 2. What does it mean for us to be restored? 3. In this season of Easter, we know “Christ is risen” and we celebrate the resurrection. How do we share who Jesus is with others?.
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