Jesus promised his disciples that they would be opposed and persecuted for his name’s sake. But this kind of opposition is not something that Jesus stands aloof from—he himself has been rejected, and even crucified. He knows what disciples need most if we are to be faithful in a hostile world. In this message from Mark 9:1–13, David Platt points us to the glorious revelation of Jesus Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Disciples then and now need to see Jesus for who he is—not merely a good religious teacher but the supreme revelation of God’s glory to weak and sinful people!
How can we apply this passage to our lives?
- Recent years have revealed significant challenges that live in us and around us all, individually and collectively. In those challenges, how has the Lord opened your eyes to see Him more clearly? How has He grown you to know, understand, love and trust Him more firmly? Take time to praise Him for the ways He has revealed the Lord and His glory to you.
- Read John 1:1–4, 14–18, and 3:16. Jesus is the Word of God, the Son of God and the Savior of our souls. Who do you say Jesus is? Do you personally know that He is the revelation of God? Have you accepted Him as your personal Savior? If not, Jesus is inviting you personally to accept Him. Please talk with your Church Group leaders to learn more.
- Read 1 John 2:15–17. Life is found not in the things of the world, but in looking on and listening to (which includes trusting and surrendering to [cf. Deuteronomy 6:1–3]) Jesus, the Word of God. What Scriptural truth is among the most difficult for you to trust? What new measure might you take in faith this week to lay aside your resistible reasoning, deny your personal desires, deviate from the norm, and radically yield to that truth?
- Read 1 Peter 3:8-17. Faith and righteousness involve suffering, and the suffering of the righteous is blessed. Think of a follower of Jesus (historical or contemporary) whose life was/is marked by profound faithfulness and suffering for righteousness’ sake. In what ways has their suffering for righteousness’ sake resulted in blessing?
- After the children of Israel suffered Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:40), the Lord brought them out in a way that compelled Moses and the children of Israel (and Exodus readers across the ages) to sing of His glory and wonder (cf. Exodus 15:1–21, esp. v. 11). Have you suffered for righteousness’ sake? If so, what new delights or joys in the Lord might you and others have received as a result of the experience(s)?
- Jesus’ return and His coming Kingdom is often spoken of in the Scriptures for our encouragement. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Hebrews 12:3–29, and 1 John 2:28–29. What encouragement do you take from these Scripture passages?
What does the passage say?
- Aloud as a group, read Mark 9:1–13. Take some time to let group members share observations about the passages. Try not to move into interpretation of the passage or application of what you have read quite yet. Simply share what you all observe from the text.
- Identify the setting, characters, conflict, climax and resolution of the narrative.
- Review the context of the passage. What is happening before and after the passage?
- Review parallel passages and cross-references to better understand the passage. For today’s passage, review Luke 9:28–36 and Matthew 17:1–13.
- How would you explain or summarize these passages in your own words?
What does the passage mean?
- Jesus is no mere religious teacher – He is not just a prophet like Moses or Elijah – Jesus is the glory of God in the flesh. In Mark 9:1–13, Jesus is not reflecting the glory of God – He is revealing the glory of God. What is the distinction between Jesus reflecting God’s glory and His revealing God’s glory? What does His revelation of God’s glory say about Jesus?
- If Jesus is all these things (Glory of God, Son of God, Word of God, Savior of our souls, Sustainer in our suffering, Guarantor of our glory), then what does that teach us about our destiny if we are in Him? What does this teach us about the destiny of our loved ones who are not in Christ?
David Platt serves as a pastor in metro Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Radical.
David received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of Don’t Hold Back, Radical, Follow Me, Counter Culture, Something Needs to Change, Before You Vote, as well as the multiple volumes of the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series.
Along with his wife and children, he lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
