A Vision of the Kingdom
I. Something UNEXPECTED on the MOUNTAIN. (v.1-13)
A. Jesus TELLS them the TRUTH. (v.1; Mt. 16:28; Lk. 9:27)
B. This VISION is pure GIFT. (v.2-4)
C. Peter’s FEAR tries to CONTAIN the Kingdom. (v.5)
D. The “CLOUD” brings true CLARITY . (v.7-8; Ex. 19:9)
E. Still BLIND to the idea of SUFFERING. (v.9-13)
This is one of the most unique of all the stories about Jesus. Miracles and parables and even the crucifixion have some equivalents in our minds, but transfiguration is something wholly different. The disciples following Jesus up the mountain that day had no idea what was coming.
1. Kid’s Question: When have you gotten a surprise (good or bad) that you weren’t expecting?
2. What part of the transfiguration story fascinates you the most? Why that aspect?
II. Jesus PULLS together several Kingdom THREADS. (v.1)
A. A link to MOSES and the MOUNTAIN. (v.2-4,7; Ex. 24:16; 34:33-35)
B. A DESCRIPTION from DANIEL. (v.3,9; Dan. 7:9,13-14)
C. The FOCAL POINT for the FUTURE. (v.8; 2 Pet. 2:16-18)
As Mark tells the story, he keeps giving us some hints that what is happening on the mountain reaches back to the Old Testament and stretches toward the return of Jesus. There are threads in this story that when woven together helps us to better see the Kingdom.
3. What impact does the presence of the OT “threads” in this story have on you? Have you noticed that before? Are there others?
4. How can you tell if Jesus is actually a “focal point” in your life and for your future direction? Are there things you can do now to help move more toward that?
III. Opening our EYES and shutting our MOUTHS today. (v.7)
A. Seeing Jesus FULLY is our FOCUS. (v.7-8; Heb 2:8-9; 12:2)
B. All true SEEING of Jesus is a GIFT. (v.2; 2 Cor. 4:6)
C. Seeing defies MANAGEMENT but brings TRANSFORMATION. (v.5-6; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 3:18)
D. Seeing means suffering is REDEEMED, not AVOIDED. (v.9-13; Rom. 5:1-5)
Let’s wrap up today talking about seeing Jesus clearly and what we need to do when that happens. How can we respond with open minds, open hearts, and open hands to what Jesus reveals about Himself to us? What does this story say to us today?
5. When have you had an “encounter” that caused you to see Jesus in a more clear or different way? What was that like? (It could be a good moment or a difficult moment.)
6. How does the fact that Jesus’ self-revelation to us is all gift shape how you view the Christian journey? Do you depend more on “gift” or “effort” in your attempts to see Jesus?
7. What are some ways we try to “manage” Jesus and the impact He has on our life? How can we be aware of when we are doing that?
8. What is your understanding of suffering in relation to the Christian life? Do you seek to avoid it? Do you run toward it? What’s a healthy attitude toward suffering?