A Glimpse of Glory

A Glimpse of Glory
Following The Servant
Mark 9:2-13

2 Peter 1:16–18

Jesus’ transfiguration takes place not far to the north of Caesarea Philippi.  This was a revelation of Christ’s glory and was witnessed by three of the apostles. In coming into the world as a human being, Jesus laid aside His divine glory, but now, in Him, it reappears briefly. This is a small glimpse into the resurrection and the Second Coming – when Jesus will transform suffering into glory.

1.    Jesus is the object . (vv. 2-4)

Exodus 33:9, 10

Exodus 33:18-20

All Moses could do was to point to the glory of God, but Jesus.

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”                                                                                             Hebrews 1:3

Revelation 3:15, 16

Moses was God’s human instrument in establishing the nation of Israel in the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).

Elijah guided Israel during some violent times of self-affliction (1 Kings 18-19).

2.   Listen to the voice of . (vv. 5, 6)

We listen to God the Father, through His Word, because human .

2 Timothy 3:16, 17

·      Silence invites us to become intimately .

Psalm 46:10

“One reason we can hardly bear to remain silent is that it makes us feel so helpless.  We are so accustomed to relying on words to manage and control others.  If we are silent, who will take control?  God will take control, but we will never let Him take control until we trust Him.  Silence is intimately related to trust.”
-Richard Foster “The Celebration of Discipline”

Psalm 62:5

·      Silence allows us to cultivate .

“Far from being a mere absence, silence allows the reality of God to stand in the midst of your life. God does not ordinarily compete for our attention. In silence we come to attend.” -Dallas Willard “The Spirit of the Disciplines”

3.   What we need most is a . (vv. 7, 8)

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”                                  Hebrews 12:2

James 1:5

Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view.

4.   It’s all about . (vv. 9, 10)

“More Than a Carpenter” Josh McDowell
“The Reason for God” Tim Keller
“Mere Christianity” C.S. Lewis
“Evidence that Demands a Verdict” Josh McDowell
“The Case for Christ” Lee Strobel

1 Corinthians 15:17

5.    Jesus doesn’t promise to take us out of suffering, but to . (vv. 11-13)

What will keep the tribulations, trials, and sufferings you go through from hardening your heart? What will make these things you go through, such that, like Jesus, they turn you into something great – to be like Him?

Answer: 

John 17:20-22

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.”                                                     Mark 9:2

Monday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  What were some of the mistaken impressions the disciples, Jews, and Gentiles had of Jesus?

What mistaken impressions do people have of Jesus today?

Tuesday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  How can a proper understanding of the incarnation help people avoid these misconceptions?

Wednesday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  In what sense was Jesus changed in the transfiguration, and in what sense was He unchanged?

Thursday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  How did Jesus fulfill the promises Moses and Elijah embodied?

How does the command to listen to Jesus alone, and not Moses or Elijah, affect our view of the prophets, priests, and kings of the Old Testament?

Friday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  What do you suppose Peter was thinking or feeling when he suggested building three shelters?

What are some lessons you think silence could teach you?

Saturday
Read Mark 9:2-13.  How would the transfiguration have given Jesus greater resolve to continue on His path to the cross?

Was there a moment in your life when Jesus suddenly was revealed to you as glorious and holy God? Share that moment with here, and also with someone else this week.