WEEK B- L2 Mark 9:2-10
JESUS IS TRANSFIGURED Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
1. EXPLORE IT! As we read the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus from Mark, we see that Jesus led three disciples to the mountaintop to witness Jesus as He would be in the Kingdom of Heaven. These three disciples are given a glimpse of Jesus in His most glorious state as He is talking to Moses, who represents the Law, and Elijah, who represents the prophets. The disciples are given the message that Jesus fulfills the promises of God’s Law and God’s promises to the prophets. However, the disciples do not fully understand this message right away, that is, until after Jesus’ Resurrection.
2. CONNECT IT! Our lives can be like a rollercoaster – having many ups and downs. We often question God, asking “Why did this happen to me?” or “How come this has to happen?” The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus we just read actually takes place after Jesus tells His disciples about His coming Passion (Mark 8). The disciples become confused and question what Jesus means, not understanding the full message of the Old Testament. The disciples need their spirits lifted after hearing of Jesus’ coming suffering and death. So Jesus takes three of his disciples up the mountain be given a vision of Jesus’ glory to come. We may not always understand God’s plan for us right away, but sometimes God allows us a glimpse of better things to come. Even though we encounter struggles or bad news in our lives, we also have mountaintop experiences now and then that can help strengthen our faith in Christ even more.
3. REFLECT IT! If God could take you up the mountaintop and show you a vision of better things to come, what would you want to see? Life can be confusing at times and it can be very easy to question why negative things happen in our lives. If we allow God to transfigure our lives – that is, to transform our lives into something more beautiful - we too can see a glimpse of greater things to come!
4. LIVE IT!
[ VISIONARY ]
VISIONARY – a person thinking about the future with wisdom. What do you think God has in store for you? This week, pray to see what God has planned for you each day! Then live each day with the goal of trying to be a better version of yourself in everything you do!
5. REMEMBER IT!
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” (Mark 9:7)
6. PRAY IT! Lord Jesus, Thank You all You do for us. Although sometimes we may not be worthy of Your grace, You help to transform our lives each day into something more beautiful! Help us to love You more each day! Amen.
