Jesus Takes 3 of His Disciples To a High Mountain
April 11, 2019
Commentary
Jesus tells the crowd that some of the people standing before Him will not die before they will see the kingdom of God come in power (v. 1). This portion of scripture is referred to as the transfiguration. The word means to change a figure into another form. It preceded Jesus’ time on the cross and may have been the Father’s preparatory provision to strengthen Jesus as He prepared to bare the sins of the world.
During this time Jesus takes Peter, James and John up onto a “high mountain” (v. 2). These are the same three that were with Him when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jesus was changed before the eyes of these disciples as His garments became a glistening white (v.3). Then Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking to Jesus (v.4). Impulsive Peter didn’t know what to say but felt he had to say something, so he put his foot in his mouth by wanting to build three tabernacles (v. 5). At this point Peter and the others became frighten and realized he did not know what he was talking about (v. 6). God sort of rebuked Peter by covering them with a cloud and saying, “He is my beloved Son: hear Him” (v. 7). Suddenly as they looked around they realized that no one was with them except Jesus (v. 8).
Application
Have each member of the family share a mountaintop experience they have had with the Lord. Conclude by sharing my relationship with the Lord at the present time.
___on the mountaintop
___in the valley
___in the desert
Mark 9:1– 8 (NET)
1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
2 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John and led them alone up a high mountain privately. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiantly white, more so than any launderer in the world could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah appeared before them along with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 So Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 (For they were afraid, and he did not know what to say.) 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my one dear Son. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more except Jesus.
Illustration: Man Climbing a Mountain
A man is climbing a mountain, at the top of which he hopes to find God. By ascending the heights, the seeker expects to leave all the cares and miseries of life behind in the valley. But while he climbs, God is coming down the mountain into the toil and grief. In the mists of the mountain God and the man pass one another. When the man reaches the mountaintop, he will find nothing. God is not there. What then will he do? He knows the climbing was a mistake, but in agony of that recognition, will he fall down and despair? Or will he turn to retrace his path through the mists and into the valley to where God has gone seeking him? (Tony Abram – Sermon Central).