Mark 09v2-32 Transfiguration
\\ Mark 9v2-32
The Transfiguration.
After the revelation of Mark 8:29 come the manifestation of Christ’s Glory.
The incarnation is a “hiding” of the glory that is always Christ’s. (John 17:5)
Question 1
Why at this point in his ministry does Jesus accelerate the revelation of who he is to his disciples?
V2 This is one of 3 occasions Mark records the separating of Peter, James and John from the rest of the disciples. See also 5:37 & 14:33
Question 2
All the great characters of Scripture seem to have had “special friends” why then do you think it is received wisdom that Church leaders should never have “special relationships” within a Church? Is it Biblical?
See 1 Samuel 18:1 1 Corinthians 4:17 Philippians 2:25-26
Question 3
V4 How did they know it was Moses and Elijah?
Does this have any implications for our understanding of the kind of bodies and relationships we will have in “the resurrection”?
See Resurrection appearances of Jesus and 1 Corinthians 15:35-53
V6 Comment: How often we want to stay in times of blessing rather than “moving on” to the next challenge with the Lord. We are by nature “comfort seekers”.
V7 The Father speaks through angels at Christ’s birth.
Directly here and at his baptism.
Through angels at the resurrection.
Question 4
Why is the transfiguration one of the “key” events that merit divine comment?
V9 Comment: The Messianic secret once again!
The phrase “until the Son of Man had risen from the dead” implies
that after that event they are to broadcast what they have seen. It is an implied Great Commission!
The Question of Elijah
The interpretation of Malachi's prophecy foreshadowed in the angelic annunciation to Zacharias Luke 1:17), that John the Baptist should do the work of another Elijah, is given on the authority of Jesus Himself (Matt 11:14). The appearance of Elijah, with Moses, on the Mount of Transfiguration, is recorded in Matt 17:1-13 parallel Mark 9:2-13 parallel Luke 9:28-36, and in Matt 11:14 parallel Mark 9:13 Jesus again identifies the Elijah of Malachi with John the Baptist.
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia
Luke 1: 17
. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous -- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (NIV)
The boy with an evil spirit.
Question 5
Is there any good reason for rejecting the clear statements of scripture that “demon possession” is a reality?
While all caution should be taken to avoid confusing it with mental illness etc. it is a reality.
Ø Should the disciples have been able to deal with the problem? v18
Ø What was it that hindered them. v19
Ø Is the length of time a problem has existed a barrier? v21
Ø What can we learn from the mixture of “faith and doubt”? v22-24
Ø What was the method Jesus used and the authority he invoked? v25
Ø What ultimate response do evil spirits inevitable make? v26
Ø What was lacking in the disciples lives? v29
Comment on v29.
There is a manuscript (MSS) argument as to the inclusion of the word “fasting”.
KJV and NKJV include ASB, NASB, RSV and NIV omit.
Even if the matter is in debate in this text the linkage between prayer and fasting is clear.
Ezra 8:23 Nehemiah 1:4 Psalm 35:13 Daniel 9:3 Luke 2:37
Luke 5:33 Acts 13:3 Acts 14:23
Are agreed texts in all versions and MSS
Only in Matthew 17:21 Acts 10:30 1 Corinthians 7:5 is there dispute.
Fasting like prayer is a clearly attested biblical activity.
Fasting is referred to 71 times (NIV) apart from prayer
Prayer is referred to 337 times (NIV) apart from fasting
Prayer is therefore clearly predominant but fasting far from unimportant.