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READ: Mark 9
CHALLENGE: Seek and Experience God
Mark 9:1-10 – And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”2 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. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” The verse was fulfilled on top of the mountain. They would experience the power of the kingdom of God. And God’s presence brings much good.
The transfiguration is one of those unforgettable moments. We talk about “mountain top” experiences. Where do you think the saying originated? The phrase stems from the transfiguration as it’s one of the key, “mountain top experiences”. There were other memorable moments that happened atop mountains as well. Moses encountered God in the burning bush on Mount Horeb. He later received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai. Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Here we have Jesus transfigured on the top of Mount Hermon.
Experiencing the presence of God is a true mountaintop experience and transformative as well.
It’s a moment when God seems closer or somehow more real and the impact is profound. Here are some of the signs of an encounter with God.
- WHEN YOU ARE CHANGED FOR GOOD
- Transformation
Jesus was “transfigured” before their eyes. It’s a word that means to “transform”. This is our word “metamorphosis” which is caterpillar to butterfly stuff. The change creates a completely different reality for the person impacted. By way of analogy, a crawling worm that goes from munching leaves to flying through the air eating the nectar of flowers is utterly different. You could even argue that it’s an opposite reality from what it was to the point that there is no obvious connection between what it was to what it had become. Grubby caterpillar to eye catching butterfly. That’s the powerful nature of transformation.
It says that Jesus was changed which is a passive verb meaning that it wasn’t something that he did. There was a force that was at work on him from the outside meaning that God transformed him. Jesus was standing and gleaming in pure brilliance! He was wrapped in heavenly reality. It’s not actually that Jesus became something different, they just saw him for who he actually is. However, the term transformed and even their ability to see it came as a gift of God. Keep in mind that our transformation is made possible by God as well.
They saw reality and coming to grips with who Jesus is and to see him as the glorious Savior He is, is profound! It was obvious that God was connected with Jesus in an extraordinary way. I wonder how beautiful this was? It would have to be an awe-inspiring scene, stunning, jaw dropping.
Is this a stand alone story, or does it have bearing in our lives? Is there anything of this story that passes along to we humans? It does apply to our lives because the same word, transformation, is used of believers.
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This is the same word that’s translated transfigure here in Mark 9. We believe in transformation through Christ. It’s caterpillar to worm kind of stuff. The expectation in our lives is that there will be some type of revival or deep change. Renewed thinking is part of transformation. So many problems are created between our left ear and our right! We have to change our thinking in order to truly change and it’s possible. As we transform, we grasp God’s will. We do God’s will. We do things that are good, pleasing, and perfect. We experience a complete work of God so we are NOT the same. This is a key! Who you are seems to have no connection to who you were.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Again, this is the same word translated as “transfigure” in Mark 9. As we contemplate Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into his image. And God’s glory is constantly impacting our lives and persuasively molding and shaping us to look more like Christ. Now, this is the sign of encounter. There has to be true change in our lives!
I drive down the road and I see homes where it’s obvious that people live there. The grass is cut. The landscape is neat. There isn’t a bunch of trash lying about. Someone is taking care of the place. Nice looking places look nice for a reason – they have constant energy plowed into them. There is a constant source and stream of work and it’s evident that someone is there because it’s got the touch of effort.
I saw an amazing mansion and in the front yard was a golf cart laying on it’s side. The drive was filled with old cars. I wasn’t thinking anyone lived there. If they did, that place would look much different.
When God is doing a work or has done a work, that should be visible in your life. It should look like there is the touch of effort. That some power has been exerted on you. If God is like a spiritual grounds keeper then the weeds are pulled and grass cut and the house painted.
Transformation and seeing Christ reflected in the behaviors of other human beings is so incredible.
All things can be made new. When there is a real transformation in someone’s life, that’s a sign of God’s work. God is mowing the lawn and watering the spiritual flowers and something beautiful is happening in your life. It is a truly beautiful sight!
This is reality and certainly change shows reality. It helps us to know that God is present.
- Heavenly Purity
3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.
This has to be like seeing a virtual brilliant white slice of heaven. The scene is supernatural. It’s more than what could be explained by going to the local dry cleaner! This is extra. And may the work of God be extra in our lives. In such a way that there’s no human explanation. There was no one in the world that could make clothing THAT white. This is beyond this world and has another explanation.
One of the guys I worked with after college would tell me that my Christianity was psychological rather than spiritual. They refused to see it as a God thing. We want to know in our own lives that there is something that is beyond your ability. Have you had that experience? A connection to divine power?
I’ve had times where I’ve had a love beyond me. Where I’ve had a patience that was not mine. A joy and confidence that surpasses the reality of my situation. There is a beautiful divine touch in this world. People used to tell me that I was such a patient coach. I’d tell them, I’m not patient, God is. At others times there are words of comfort that you hear or a direction or wisdom that you know is not yours. It’s beyond you. Have you seen changes, attitudes and/or understanding that’s beyond you? I for one need that!
So, it’s beyond what humans can do and it’s also a connection back to God.
Daniel 7:9-10 – “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
The scene here is absolutely incredible. It’s heaven on earth! White and a river of fire. Jesus was impressive like this! Remember after Moses came down from getting the law and his face glowed for 40 days? There was evidence of divine encounter.
I associate the glory and splendor and white with holiness. In our lives we should have a certain holiness as well. A brilliant purity is a sign of the work of God. How can we reflect God if our words, actions, and thoughts are impure?
Not that we aren’t around the world but we’re not like the world. There is evidence of a work of God. We need a spiritual side. So, here’s Christ, all dazzling white. This is Jesus. Now think about the verse, that we’re clothed with Christ. Galatians 3:27 – for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
To be clothed in Christ would be to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Think to the transfiguration. As we’re making righteous choices, that’s a good sign that things are different in your life and you’ve been touched by God. You will stand out in the world around you!
- The Word of God
V4 – And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Moses was Israel’s most revered leader. Elijah was arguably the most esteemed prophet. And they represent an important part of the biblical witness. The law and the prophets. If nothing else, this scene connects Jesus with the continuing revelation of God’s truth with Christ being the ultimate communication from God.
The word of God is part of life change! I don’t see true transformation apart from truth. The word of God has authority. Man-made rules do not have that same. Moses brought us the 10 Commandments and they were engraved on stone. You think of the authority of Elijah. He prayed that it would not rain and it didn’t rain for 3 years.
- LOVE
Vv 5-7 – Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Peter didn’t even know what to say. It was so much glory and radiating light that he could only think to build shelters. The cloud appeared and covered them! It enveloped them which was extraordinary. Perhaps this was to help Peter who was concerned to build shelters – you don’t need to build them now.
- Love in Presence
This cloud enveloped them. Perhaps like the giant smoke cloud that came to Ohio. I saw pictures out of Michigan where you couldn’t even see the Mackinac bridge. When you see a cloud like this in the Bible it’s associated with God and it typically signifies the presence and power of God. God was there and that’s amazing. A top reason in the Bible not to be afraid is because God is with us.
They cannot see God, but God was there in that cloud with them. I love the presence of God covering me. I think of blankets. Clothing. Our eternal dwelling. I think of Adam and Eve and God making them coverings. When you’re covered, you’re no longer exposed. You’re comforted. You’re protected and this is part of our encounters with God.
Jesus said, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Is there comfort in the presence of God? Absolutely! If I go outside and it’s chilly, I like to put on a flannel shirt or a sweatshirt and once I do, I’m going to feel much better. I feel better covered in the love of God. Love is warmth for the soul! Covering.
The presence of God was seen as victory and blessing and wisdom and protection. Clearly there is love as well.
Aside from God, what greater love is there than being with people? Walking through life with them?
- Love in Belonging
This is my “son”. You are mine. God reveals himself in terms of family and that makes it all the more relatable. We all get the special bond between parents and children. I know that having my brothers is awesome. There is such an unshakable bond there. I have spent most of my life living hours from them yet we’re in contact all the time.
You are my son! And even if we have those second dads and moms to people – that’s a lot of belonging as well.
Jesus belonged with God as a true son and that’s awesome. It’s also important as we think about Jesus and realize that he was a lot more than just a great teacher or “another” religious leader. He was uniquely connected to God.
We are brothers and sisters in Christ and we belong. We want people to feel accepted and that’s part of our experience in Christ as that’s a mountaintop experience. When you feel connected and you get to help others, that’s up there. The relationships built have some of the most important joys we experience. I know some of you absolutely love it. And that’s awesome.
I encourage ministry involvement and small groups. It’s a great way to
- Love in Reality
Not only is Jesus a son, but He is the one that God loves. I love that this is such an important revelation from God. When God’s voice is there and present, twice in the gospel, it’s speaking of love. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
We can’t claim to be in tune with God if there is no love. And the Bible says that if we don’t love others, the love of God is not in us. God, through Scripture, communicates His love and patience. His love to Christ flows to us. In fact the Bible teaches that His love is poured into our hearts.
It would be good for them to remember that nothing went wrong when Jesus died. In fact, everything was going right. It didn’t mean God didn’t love him. And it doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us when things go poorly. He still does.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Love is a mountain top experience. That’s something that is truly special. Do you sense that you’re loved?
- Listen to him
It’s grace and truth. You need to listen to Jesus. That’s what reality looks like. We listen to Jesus.
The word listen doesn’t mean just “know”. It means “do”. I love how in the one communication book we’re reading that listening is not just about understanding, it’s about responding. And the appropriate response for us would be, when Jesus says something, we do it.
The book of John says that this is what love looks like. If we love him we will keep his commandments. John 14:21 – Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
If my wife asks me to do something. Hey, let me know if you’re going to be home late. Listening would be doing it. Are we heeding it or ignoring it? Some choose to ignore what God is teaching them.
- WRESTLING THROUGH TRUTH
Vv8-10 – Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
Don’t tell anyone until after I return from the dead. They would talk about what they saw. Now they want to know what he meant by “risen from the dead”. What does that mean. Isn’t this part of life in general. We are exploring what God means. I want to explore this notion.
We have to discuss and determine the meanings of statements. Rising from the dead is easy for us to decipher NOW. It was much harder for them to figure it out THEN. Jesus said many things including awesome truths in the Sermon on the Mount. We should talk those things over.
They discussed it together. I love that interaction in Bible studies – we get to discuss the meaning of things together. That’s a beautiful concept in and of itself.
Seeking a deeper understanding should always be the goal of the believer. They discussed it together. What does this mean.
My professor used to call it “doing theology”. We would wrestle through a concept and discuss it as a class and that was a means of learning for all of us. And we would all discuss it together and I loved those things. And he loved hearing we students discuss it back and forth!
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
And that’s just part of being a follower of Jesus. What does that mean?