Mark 9:2-4. Look at the Glory of the Son of God. He is worthy of worship & devotion. v. 2. “Peter, James, and John” were with him as an inner circle as before.

“Mountains” were often a place where God revealed himself Moses on Mt Sinai, Elijah on Mt Horeb, Jesus on the mountain prayed, preached, was tempted, performed miracles, called his disciples, sent them on mission (Mt 28:16); prayed at Gethsemane on the Mt of Olives (14:32); was crucified on a hill called Calvary (15:22).

“Transfigured” means “changed” – his nature did not change. v. 3. He was outwardly changed. His appearance reflected his nature, unveiled. “His clothes became radiant”. Jesus’ deity was hidden, but for a moment was revealed. The Bible refers to the glory of God as shining out, “shekinah” in OT Hebrew. Jesus’ glory shines through the veil of his humanity.

v. 4 Why Moses and Elijah? • Both were great deliverers of Israel. o Moses delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt o Elijah delivered Israel from the worship of the false gods of Baal • Both stood on a mountain and received the word of God o Moses received the OT law there o Elijah received the word of God in encouragement. • Both ministries of the law and prophets pointed to Jesus o Their word and work are fulfilled in Jesus • Both are mentioned the Day of the Lord” prophecy in Malachi 4:4-6 o God tells the Jews to remember the law of Moses o He will send Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord

Jesus is the greater Moses who has delivered his people eternal bondage “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness” (Col 1:13) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law” (Gal 3:13)

Mark 9:5-6. Listen to the Words of the Son of God. His gospel alone brings salvation. vv. 5-6. “Three tents” – Peter (terrified) doesn’t know what to say, so he offers 3 memorials But Peter misunderstands. Moses, Elijah and Jesus are equals as Bible heroes. v. 7. As on Mt Sinai when a cloud covered the mountain and God spoke from the cloud, A cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father spoke to them.

Jesus is not like Moses or Elijah. He is unique in all the universe. There is no one like him. “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Jesus is the Son of God. God the Father does not say listen to my words in him, he says listen to him. Because when Jesus speaks, God speaks.

v. 8. Only Jesus was left with them. Three points: 1. Moses and Elijah represent the old covenant based on the law. Jesus brings a new covenant. 2 Cor 3 says that old covenant was surpassed by a new, far more glorious covenant. 2. Moses and Elijah leave, but Jesus stays with his disciples. 3. Moses and Elijah return to the glory of heaven. Jesus remains to go through the humiliation of the cross.

Mark 9:9-13 Learn from the Suffering of God’s Servants. Suffering comes before glory. v. 9. “Tell no one” – last command to silence, but this with a qualifier; until after I’m raised v. 10. They did not understand what Jesus meant, was this metaphorical raising?

v. 11. “Elijah must come?” They have no understanding of a suffering and dying Messiah. They believe this must be the time of Israel’s restoration, why is Jesus talking about death?

v. 12. “Elijah does come first.” Before the final restoration on day of the Lord. But something must happen before that day: the Son of Man must suffer. Jesus will be crucified in suffering, but he will be raised in glory.

v. 13. Elijah has come in the John the Baptist. Elijah was mistreated, but completed his mission o Look at the Glory of the Son of God. He is worthy of worship and devotion. o Listen to the Words of the Son of God. His gospel alone brings salvation. o Learn from the Suffering of God’s Servants. Suffering comes before glory.

Mark 9:14-29. A Frail Faith in a Strong Savior We never advance beyond our need for Jesus (14-18) We never advance beyond our need for faith (19-27) We never advance beyond our need for prayer (28-29)