Mark 9:2-13; Jesus’ Transfiguration

Sermon in a sentence: Jesus’ transfiguration should give us hope.

The Disciples’ Problem

The disciples were still struggling to fully comprehend Jesus.

It is very likely the disciples were discouraged from Jesus’ rebuke.

They also demonstrated weak faith.

Luke 9:28; 9:32 tells us that Jesus took the disciples up on the high mountain to pray but they fell asleep.

We are so quick to forget the ordinary means of grace

We want the mountaintop experience of Jesus showing us his glory!

But how many of us don’t want to walk up the mountain?

How many of us don’t want to pray for it?

We forgot how gracious how God is! Jesus did not have to encourage his disciples but he chose to show them this moment!

When was the last time God showed you his grace?

The Divine Proclamation

Jesus unveils his divine glory, proving he is God.

Mark shows us that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

God the Father affirms Jesus’ authority.

God the Father told the disciples to listen to the son!

Listen to everything, not just the fun parts.

The Divine Promise

Jesus promised suffering and death.

The last thing Jesus taught his disciples was that he would suffer, be rejected, and then die. Therefore, they should be ready to be crucified.

This should be a divine preparation for this world.

This reminds me of my reading of Jeremiah’s treatment from God’s own people.

Jesus promised a resurrection.

This means he will die and be resurrected.

This means, like Moses and Elijah, we will also be resurrected!

This should also give us hope for those who have already died. They are actually more alive than we are! They are already experiencing the presence of God!

Jesus fulfilled his promise to his disciples.

Jesus promised his disciples that some of them would not see death before they saw the kingdom of God with power.

Jesus partially fulfilled this promise here on this mountain with his disciples.

Jesus has come to judge the people of the earth many times throughout the history of the world.

This should be a call to us individually, to our church, to our homes, and to our nation!

There is still a day coming when he will finally judge all sin once and for all.