Mark 9:1-13 The Reward of Discipleship

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Joel and Mary Nadel, Covenant Church

From J.C. Ryle’s “Expository Comments on the Gospels - Mark”

House Rules: Phones, Respect, Stay on the Text

Mark 9:1–13 NASB95

And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? “But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him.”

Prayer

Jesus’ Ministry Travels

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 ESV

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Romans 10:9 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Introduction

Mark is one of the Gospels - it tells us how we can be reconciled to God and gain eternal life

Preceded by John, Jesus came from Galilee

John got the people’s attention - repent for the forgiveness of sins

Jesus began his ministry

Signs and wonders demonstrated His lessons

Jesus was alienating Israel’s religious and political leadership - they were plotting to kill Him

Knew He was going to the cross to finish His work - prepared His disciples

Last two weeks: A turning point in Jesus mission -

Peter confesses Jesus as Christ

Jesus focuses on His mission to Jerusalem

Jesus teaches on the cost of following Him

This week:

Jesus gives His disciples a foretaste of Heaven

Connection of this passage to the last chapter

Jesus has been speaking of His

upcoming death and resurrection

Disciples - self denial - of losing lives to be saved

Speaks on His coming kingdom and glory

Now He takes the edge off the hard sayings and promises a sight of the glory to come

We know, from history, His promises were fulfilled.

A marvelous vision of the glory of Christ at the second coming

The first thing we see is the marvellous vision they give us of the glory of Christ AND HIS PEOPLE, when He comes again

This was the main reason that Jesus went up on the mountain and was transfigured

Meant to teach - Lord was of poor appearance now, but would one day appear in royal glory as the Son of God

When He comes the second time, He will appear with His Saints

Even though they were persecuted now, that because they were Christ’s they would one day be clothed with honor and take part in His glory - this was a glimpse of the future

In this story we see a remedy for doubts

The vision is a gracious promise that glorious things are in store for God’s people

The crucified saviour will come again in power and glory - His saints will come with Him - they are safe now, until that happy day

Col. 3:4 “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Peter’s reaction when He saw the Lord transfigured

Mark 9:5 “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.””

Not to be commended - demonstrated Peter’s ignorance of Christ’s mission

Forgot the dark world, which so much needed Jesus’

Suggestion that he should build three tents, for Moses, Elijah and Jesus, showed a low view of Christ’s dignity - implied that He did not understand that Christ was greater than both Moses and Elijah

In all cases, this was not a praiseworthy statement

Having said that, lets remember the remark showed how happy and joyful Peter was

It shows the comfort and joy he felt as a true believer

As we look forward, we should try to understand the joy and pleasure that we will experience, when we at last meet Jesus at His second coming, and will be together forever

This vision was a great comfort to Peter, especially after the teaching on Christ’s coming crucifixion

The sight of Elijah and Moses, not dead but alive, must have really warmed his heart

What will we say when we meet the Lord on the last day with His saints?

Have you ever met someone important or famous and babbled?

We’ll probably say something silly too - but Jesus won’t care

On thing we will say for sure: “It is good to be here.”

Christ’s place as the promised Messiah

The last thing we see is the testimony to Christ’s office, and His dignity, as the promised Messiah

Moses represents the Law, Elijah the prophets

They are witnesses that Jesus is the one they spoke of in times past - the one they wrote about

They stay only a short time and then disappear, leaving Jesus alone - they are only witnesses, that the Lord has come and they are giving way to Him

Testimony from the Father: a voice from heaven: “this is my beloved Son, hear Him” - This time, He adds “hear Him”

The conclusion of the whole vision is designed to leave a lasting memory for the three disciples

Taught them, in the most striking manner: He is far above the prophets, as the master of the house is above the servants

They must believe, follow, trust and hear Him

They will be glorified with Him in heaven

Bringing it home

The last words in this text should always be in the minds of all true Christians: “Hear Him”

He is the great Teacher - we would be smart to learn of Him

He is the light of the world - its never a mistake to follow Him

He is the Head of the Church: the Church must always look to Him

The question is not what ministers, priests, the Church or councils say, but what does Christ say? Let’s hear Him

Let us abide in Him, lean on Him, look to Him

He will never fail us, disappoint us, lead us astray

John 10:27–28 ESV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Prayers

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