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Chapter Summary
v2-14 - Jesus takes His three closest disciples up a mountain to pray, which, as we've seen these last few days, was a regular part of Jesus' routine. What happened on this particular mountain, however, was anything but routine.
In his trademark style, Mark states it as matter of factly as possible: "There he was transfigured before them (v2)."
Literally Jesus was metamorphed (the same word we use to describe what happens to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly).
The one detail Mark gives is Jesus' dazzling radiant white clothes.
Elijah and Moses show up to talk with Jesus
Don't you wonder what they talked about?
Typical: Peter doesn't know what to say, but says something anyways.
Once more,
just as it had
when the Israelites received the ten commandments
and at Jesus' baptism,
the voice of God boomed out from the cloud.
As quickly as this had begun, it suddenly came to an end, and Jesus and the three disciples descended back down to reality on earth.
v15-29 - After their awesome experience on the mountain, Jesus walks into a massive argument between the crowd and the establishment.
It seems Jesus' other disciples were unable to exorcise a demon from a child.
The contrast:
of the scene up on the mountain with the mess He walks into here
tests Jesus' patience.
Even so, Jesus perseveres and calls the boy to Him.
After hearing the father's passionate profession of faith in v24, Jesus successfully expelled the demon from the boy.
v30-49 - This chapter ends with Jesus doing what He does so often - separating Himself and the disciples away from the crowd so He could teach them.
Once again,
He tells them of His impending death,
but also plainly tells them that "after three days he will rise (v32)."
This sails over the heads of the disciples,
and instead they get into a private argument about which of them is the greatest.
Jesus ignores their stupid argument,
and instead responds by taking a child into His arms,
telling them that to accept Him by accepting them.
Jesus isn't just talking about caring for little children here, He's pointing the disciples (and us)
away from their selfish concerns '
and towards the care we must exhibit for the Church: "those who believe in me (v42)."
In v42-49 Jesus gives multiple warnings that there's nothing that you have that's worth keeping if it's causing you to stumble.
Sometimes people wonder whether or not hell really exists.
After hearing Jesus' response to their argument about who was the greatest, I don't think the disciples wondered about the reality of hell.
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE:
Exodus 24 is a short chapter in which the Israelites pledge their allegiance stay in covenant with God, and Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God. See how many similarities and differences you can find between Moses' and Jesus' mountaintop experiences.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions:
EYE FOR DETAIL—From what you recall seeing in this chapter, try answering the following question without looking at your Bible: In this chapter, what words does Jesus use to describe hell? (See verses 43–48.)
From God’s point of view, what was the purpose for Jesus’ transfiguration (in verses 2–8)?
Questions taken from The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who is pleased with His Son, and with all those who listen to Him (v7)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome the areas on unbelief in your life (v24)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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