Mark 9_1_13

Seen {main verb} (2x)… 1, 9. Horaō see Some of the disciples will not taste death until they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.1 Jesus tells the Peter, James, and John not tell anyone what they had seen until He arises from the dead.

Jesus {noun} (4x)… 2,4,5,8

Them {pronoun masculine} (9x)

Mountain {noun} (2x)… 2,9

Themselves {pronoun} (3x)… 2,8,10

Transfigured {main verb} (1x)… 2. Metamorphoō (English Metamorphosis) To Change Appearance. An outward change that comes from inside. In this text Jesus became on the outside what He was on the inside. In the New Testament this word is used 4 times, twice it is used of Jesus (Matt. 17:2, Mark 9:2) and twice it is used of believers (Rom. 12:2, 2 Cor. 3:8).

Exceeding White {Adverb and Adjective}1x… 2. Exceeding is lian which means very much, greatly, or completely. Leukos which means radiant, bright, gleaming. Completely radiant…. Like the angel of Matthew 28:3. The bright radiance of Jesus may be viewed with the thought of the bright snow which covered the Mount Hermon

Appeared {verb} (1x)… 4 horaō Become Visible

Elijah {noun} (5x)... 4,5,11,12,13 Elijah (My God is Yahweh) was one of the earliest and greatest prophets, His ministry is recorded as actions instead of His words. He was the champion against the worship of false Gods. He was taken into heaven without tasting death. Elijah represents the prophets in this text.

Moses {noun) (2x)… 4,5 Moses (Drawn out of water). Moses represents the Law. Moses went to heaven while dying in the embrace of God. It is believed that Moses and Elijah are the two witnesses of Revelation…. *Elijah and Moses was speaking to Jesus about His exodus*

Hear [listen] {main verb}(1x)… 7 akouō to obey, listen and conform to what was heard. NASB note “give constant heed).

Be set at naught [be treated with contempt] {main verb}(1x)… 12 exoudeneō ill treat, be treated with contempt. (In English contempt means being worthless.) despised. ***This is the only use of this word in the N.T. but the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) uses this word 5 times. Two of its uses (2 Chron. 36:16, Ezk 22:8) speaks of being despised, and gives some context to what Jesus is saying Mark 9:13. 2 Chronicles 36:16 “but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy. The context is the last chapter of 2 Chronicles it leads up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the final stage of exile (586). Similar, God sent word again (see 2 Chron. 36:15) to them again by messengers post exile prophets (then 450 years of silence) then John the Baptist, and finally Jesus and the apostles then the wrath of the Lord came again in 70 AD and Jerusalem and the temple was destroyed.

The Setting Caesarea Philippi: 25 miles north of Bethsaida near Mount Hermon. This town has a rich history of pagan worship. During the reign of Alexander the Great a shrine was dedicated to Pan the Greek god of the forest and the deserted places was in the cave at the foot of Mt. Hermon which is the source for the Jordan River. During the rule of Antiochus the Great the town was name Panium in honor of Pan. In 20 BC Augustus gave the district Panias to Herod the Great who built a temple of white marble there and dedicated it to Caesar Augustus. As Augustus came to full power emperor worship became more common in Rome. The Romans claimed him as savior but he saw himself as priest. Coins minted in the eastern provinces depicted Augustus as the incarnate Zeus or worship-worth son of god” and altars were erected in his honor. Augustus encouraged the cult as a unifying element in his diverse empire and as a type of patriotism. After his death many temples were erected in his honor and the symbols of divinity were transferred to succeeding emperors. After Augustus’ rule Tiberius Caesar “Son of the Devine Augustus” came to power. With the death of Herod the Great this province was given to Herod Philip who in turn named the town Caesarea Philippi (2 B.C.) in honor of Tiberius and himself. Caesarea Philippi was a strategic place for Jesus’ lesson for Peter, John, and James, it was a town dedicated to the glory of Rome with temples dedicated to Caesar. However, the glory of Rome is long gone but the glory of Jesus remains and will go on eternally.

As stated above emperor worship was very common during the days of Jesus’ ministry. There is even glimpses of it in Jerusalem as seemingly portrayed in Mark 12:13-17. Mark tells us that Pharisees and Herodians came together to trap Jesus. The herodians were mostly Jews who were loyal to Rome. They asked Jesus if they should pay taxes to Rome and Jesus called them to bring him a coin (denarius) asking “whose likeness is imprinted on it,” they answered Caesar. Emperor worship caused problems for Christianity. Emperors were given titles such as “Lord,” “Savior,” and “Son of God” which were the same names used for Jesus Christ. Peter’s profession of “you are the Christ” is in direct contrast with emperor worship and this statement took place in the center of emperor worship in Palestine, Caesarea Philippi. Furthermore the confession “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) was “bound to conflict with the claim “Caesar is Lord.” Christians who refused to sacrifice to Caesar were charged with treason. The conflict between emperor worship and Christianity remained a focal point for the persecution of the church until the time of Constantine (AD 306-337). Perhaps Jesus’ lesson of the transfiguration and God’s instruction to “listen” to Him was one of GREAT importance meant to be shed abroad after the resurrection of Jesus (9:9) in order to remind and encourage the present and future disciples about who is truly God and not to give up chasing after Christ even during the fierce persecution to come. As Mark writes to a Roman audience the point is not missed that Jesus is Lord not Caesar and that glory belongs to Jesus not Rome.

The Glory of Jesus is seen in this text as He is transfigured inside out but the glory of the Father is shown also as He appears in the formed cloud. This is an allusion to the exodus of Israel as God lead Israel by day in the form of a cloud. Interestingly enough Elijah and Moses are speaking to Jesus about His exodus from this world and God appears as He did during the exodus out of worldly Egypt.

This text extends and confirms the great truth Jesus gives in Mark 8:38 speaking of Jesus’ return (second coming) “when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” This speaks of the time of judgment on earth as Matthew records ““For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Perhaps Peter’s statement to build three tabernacles on that mountaintop one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus was made in his ignorance but meant to contrast the glory of Rome below in the town with the Glory of God’s Kingdom above on the Mountain. However, God shares His glory with no one (Is. 42:8 I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.)

Important Cross Reference 2 Peter 1:16-18, Mark 1:11, John 17:22-24, Romans 12:2, and 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Mark 8:38-9:10 “A Glorious Assurance”

Intro: The glorious experience I found at the cross in a little catholic church in Memphis. As Glorious as it was it was nothing more than a memory that will fade. We just walk by faith and that faith is according to the Word of God!

Context: This scene takes place as Jesus and His disciples are passing through the area of Caesarea Philippi a place devoted to the Glory of Rome and place of pagan Emperor Worship. Peter has just made his great profession “thou art the Christ” and Jesus has plainly disclosed His purpose. This was hard for the disciples to take in and embrace. However Jesus is our gracious Lord and pulls the veal back for Peter, John, and James a bit to see that His words are true and that everything will be all right. Though He will endure a suffering exodus from this world He will be resurrected to life and will return again as the Messiah they were looking for, the Conquering King.

CPS:

The Glorious Coming 8:38-9:1

The promised Return

This text must be viewed in light of last few weeks text especially last week. Peter and the disciples understood Jesus’ identity yet it was hard for them to grasp His purpose, the Messiah they had been taught about was a mighty warrior king who would come to bring victory against those who held captive God’s people. Jesus rebuked Peter and thus the disciples because the cross was necessary and but note the mention of the resurrection “after three days rise again. Jesus then tells the disciples their purpose, that there must be a cross in their future daily. As followers of Jesus we must purpose in our hearts the “the world behind me and the cross before.” Those who are saved have died with Jesus but also have been resurrected with Jesus. The world/Satan wants you to believe that there is glory to be had in this life but they find only suffering awaits but Jesus teaches that suffering is found in this life but glory awaits those who trust in Him.

Jesus then begins to tell the disciples of the coming messiah they were looking for, the one they could understand. Mark 8:38-9:1 Jesus is speaking of His second coming stating that “When the Son of Man cometh in the glory of His father with the holy angels.” Matthews account makes it clear that this is a day of judgment, For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. The Greek noun reward (apodidōmi) means to payback. This will be the day that Jesus rights every wrong on earth, He will payback unrighteousness with the righteous wrath of God bringing absolute victory to earth against all who oppose God. (Remember the church will be gone) The disciples were looking for the Messiah of Zechariah 14 (Zech. 14:1-9) and Jesus says, the day is coming when you will receive Him!

ILL: Illustrate vividly what will take place when Jesus returns.

The Coming Revelation

Jesus tells His disciples that some of them there will not taste death until they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Taste is the Greek verb geuomai with means experience. This statement has been an issue of debate for millenniums, Jesus is not stating that His second coming will take place during their life time but they will see “get a glimpse” of His glory. The Greek verb translated “seen” is horaō which means to become visible. Jesus is telling them that some of them will get a glimpse of this great and terrible day, when Jesus comes with power. Power is the Greek noun dynamis, it means super natural power. This word is also used in chapter 13(23-26) as Jesus teaches about this coming day; But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Again in chapter 14 (62) as Jesus speaks at His unlawful hearing on the night of His arrest to the Sanhedrin; “And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Friends Jesus came to this earth to die for our sins and to rise from the grave but He is coming back and what glorious and terrible day that will be. But the disciples were still walking by sight and Jesus in His grace a promised them a sight to behold, they would get a glimpse of Jesus in His power and glory and this will take place just 6 days later.

Jesus’ promises should be enough for us but many of us are stilling walking by sight, many us need a revelation in order to be assured and remain faithful. Let me give you a revelation so simple that even the youngest can understand.

ILL: A preacher tells the story of an incident that happened while he was in seminary. Since the school had no gymnasium, he and his friends played basket ball in a nearby public school. There was an elderly janitor waited patiently until they finished playing so he could clean up and go home. He sat there reading his Bible. One of his friend asked him what he was reading. The man answered, ‘The book of Revelation.’ Surprised, my friend asked if he understood it. ‘Oh, yes,’ the man assured him. ‘I understand it!’ ‘What does it mean?’ Quietly the janitor answered, ‘It means that Jesus is gonna win.’”

Let me tell you a great truth today, the disciples were look for a Messiah who was going to win the victory, let me tell you the truth, The victory was won at Calvary but we have to wait until Jesus returns before His glory is SEEN on earth!

The Glorious Confirmation 9:2-4

The Heavenly Vision

Six days later Jesus takes Peter, James, and John apart from the 12, leads them to the high mountain slope of what I believe to be Mount Hermon (9,000 AGL), 12 miles from the village of Caesarea Philippi. Luke’s Gospel tells us they went up there to pray, this is nothing new. While praying Peter, James, and John fell asleep and when they woke they saw the Glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ as He was transfigured before them. Transfigured in the Geek verb metamorphoō, it means to change form or transform. From this Greek verb we get Metamorphose.

ILL: Like when a caterpillar encloses itself in a cocoon and later a butterfly bursts forth.

Transfigured describes a change on the outside that comes from the inside. On that mountaintop they Saw Jesus for He truly is the Glorious Son of God! They saw Him in His resurrection body, they saw Him as He will be when He saddles the glory cloud of heaven and leads the heavenly host to earth.

His garments were shinning (Greek for radiant), He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His (God’s) nature. He was exceeding (very much) white! Whiter than the snow covered top of Mount Hermon, He was a white that no lauder on earth could reproduce. He was whiter than a perfect lamb without blemish! He was whiter than the angel the tomb guards saw when the stone was rolled away in Mathew 24:8; And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. On that Mountaintop they saw the Glory of God, Jesus in His true nature!

The Heavenly Visitors

Along with Jesus were Heavenly visitors, each who had mountain top experiences of their own. There was Moses who lead the people of Israel out of captivity Jesus would soon set the captives free by paying a ransom in blood. Moses met with God on Mount Siena as lighting struck and thunder rumbled, God (Jesus) gave him the Law to pass down to the Israelites. There was also Elijah whom on Mount Caramel called down fire from heaven and it assumed a water drenched sacrifice, on that day 450 prophets of baal were slain.

The heavenly visitors were talking with Jesus, Luke tells us that they talking about Jesus’ departure or “exodus” from this world. Moses and Elijah had unique exodus’ from this world. Moses died in the embrace of God and buried in an unknown grave personally by God. Elijah was called up in whirlwind, a chariot of fire! But now it was drawing time for Jesus’ exodus through means of a cross.

Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets within Jewish culture that is a name for the O.T. Scriptures; After the glorious resurrection as some unnamed disciples are walking the road to Emmaus Jesus appeared and the Bible says “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself!” He is the fulfillment of Scripture, the law and prophecy!

This serves as a glorious confirmation for Peter, James, and John… Jesus really is God and they saw His glory on earth. Jesus made good on His promise, they saw the kingdom of God come in power. This should serve them well during days of darkness that lay ahead. This glorious assurance should have given them confidence that everything will be alright.

The Glorious Command9:5-8 (Maybe 10)

The Statement of Wonder

Could you imagine being on that mountaintop seeing the Glory of God? The Bible tells us that Peter was sore afraid. He didn’t know what to say and never being short of things to say Peter said to Jesus its good lets us pitch booths here one for you and one for each heavenly visitor. Remember, the disciples are still walking by faith, they had seen the temples of nearby Caesarea Philippi now Peter wants to build on this mountain. Some scholars believe that the feast of booths which followed five days after the Day of Atonement was drawing close. This was a festival celebrating God’s faithfulness during the wilderness wandering. For Peter to say this was another possible temptation for Jesus to bypass. In most cases when humanity saw the glorious things of heaven God’s messenger (angels) says “fear not” however this is not the case!

The Command of Obedience

Then there was a cloud overhead, the cloud was the Shekhinah glory of God the vehicle of God’s dwelling glory. It was by this cloud that the Israelites were led out of Egypt and through the wilderness. It was this cloud that descended upon the tent of meeting when God wanted to speak with Moses. It was this cloud that filled the Tabernacle and later the Temple as God dwelt with His people. It was this cloud in Ezekiel that left the temple as God’s glory was removed from the presence of man. It was by this cloud that takes Jesus was taken into heaven and it will be by this cloud that Jesus returns to earth.

From this cloud came the voice of Holy God, the Father saying plainly and simply “This is my Beloved Son, hear Him” beloved in the Greek Adj. agapētos which means only dear one. God’s command is to hear, in Hebrew it is šā·mǎʿ(Shama) it is the opening word to most treasured Scripture in Judaism. In Greek it is akouō which means listen and conform to what is being heard. It is a call to obey! Obey the teachings of Jesus. “Stop walking by sight, live by faith.” Trust in Jesus alone and don’t try to hinder Him from His appointment on the cross. Listen closely because His time with you is drawing nigh!

Suddenly they stood alone on the Mountain Top with Jesus! Listen to me… Mountaintop Experiences are times of assurance to look back upon but in the simple command “Hear” God calls the disciples to focus their attention not on what was being seen but on what was being heard. Jesus and His visitors was talking plainly about Jesus future, the memory of visions will fade but the unchanging Word of God abides forever!

Peter wanted to build “tabernacles” in honor of the three but Is. 42:8 tells that Jesus shares His glory with no one, and their alone on that Mountain was Jesus!

Conclusion: On that Mountain Top was Glorious Assurance of Jesus’ Glory. He will come as promised, and He will be seen as He was on that mountain top. In the meantime we must stay true to obey His words! What a timely message for the disciples, what a timely message for Mark’s Roman Christian Audience, what a timely message for us today. In the village of Caesarea Philippi below was a display of the Glory of Rome but on the Mountaintop was a display of the Glory of God. One is diminished and has been demolished while the other last for eternity.

Sometimes appearances can be deceiving, while the disciples had a hard time understanding Jesus’ purpose they couldn’t see that suffering and death was not His ultimate destiny. His ultimate destiny was to be glorified!

But, this experience lingers in an aged Peter’s mind (2 Peter 1:16-18) For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. This scene was given to us by the Holy Spirit of God recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. By the grace of God is was confirmed again by Peter so that it can be treasured in our hearts that we may live faithful lives according to His Word.

Mark 8:38-9:10“Glorious Assurance”

Intro: The glorious experience I found at the cross in a little catholic church in Memphis.

CPS: Sometimes God pulls back the curtain and gives us a Mountain Top Expereince in order to draw us closer to Him and prepare us for things that lie ahead. *** ??? But we must remember an experience often turns into a memory that fades. So we walk by faith and that faith is the know… that means according to the Word of God!

The Glorious Coming 8:38-9:1

The Promised Return

The Promised Revelation

Let me tell you a great truth today, the disciples were look for a Messiah who was going to win the victory, but the victory was won at Calvary… we just have to wait until Jesus returns before His glory is SEEN on earth!

The Glorious Confirmation9:2-4

The Heavenly Vision

ILL: Butterfly

The Heavenly Visitors

Their Representation

Their Mountaintop Experience

Their Exodus

The Glorious Command 9:5-8

Peter’s Statement of Wonder

God’s Command of Obedience

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