Listen to the Son

Intro

Read

Mark 9:2–8 ESV

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

Sermon Notes Listen to the Son

This story from the life of Jesus is often called the “Transfiguration” because of the miraculous change of appearance that took place on the top of mountain. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include this in their account of Jesus’ life.

On the one hand it can be somewhat simple to see what’s happening. If you know believe that Jesus is Lord then hearing about this revelation of his glory will make sense.

Or maybe you’ve never thought much of who Jesus is and this story seems random, or like it doesn’t make sense.

This story from the life of Jesus is often called the “Transfiguration” because of the miraculous change of appearance that took place on the top of mountain. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include this in their account of Jesus’ life.

On the one hand it can be somewhat simple to see what’s happening. If you know believe that Jesus is Lord then hearing about this revelation of his glory will make sense.

Or maybe you’ve never thought much of who Jesus is and this story seems random, or like it doesn’t make sense.

Either way we can miss much if we fly past this passage too quickly.

Sermon Notes Listen to the Son

The Transfiguration is a monumental moment in the Gospel of Mark. It falls near the middle of his book and marks a decisive turning point.

We’ve gone through the book of Mark and at each turn asked three critical questions:

1. Who is Jesus?

2. Why does that matter?

3. What does it mean to follow him.

Mark isn’t telling a story just for the fun of it. He’s telling us the story of Jesus’ life for a very distinct purpose.

It’s very clear that all along he wants his readers to know who Jesus is. And when they see him, when they read his teaching they will recognize that the call to follow him is the primary purpose of life.

It’s a theme that is weaved throughout the whole book of Mark.

The Transfiguration is a monumental moment in the Gospel of Mark. It falls near the middle of his book and marks a decisive turning point.

We’ve gone through the book of Mark and at each turn asked three critical questions:

Who is Jesus?

1. Who is Jesus?

2. Why does that matter?

Why does that matter?

What does it mean to follow him.

Mark isn’t telling a story just for the fun of it. He’s telling us the story of Jesus’ life for a very distinct purpose.

It’s very clear that all along he wants his readers to know who Jesus is. And when they see him, when they read his teaching they will recognize that the call to follow him is the primary purpose of life.

It’s a theme that is weaved throughout the whole book of Mark.

Mark’s hope is that by hearing who Jesus is we might learn to follow him.