Mark 9:1-29
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Today in Mark chapter 9 we read about the Transfiguration! I heard a wonderful sermon recently about the Transfiguration. The sermon basically was stating that the Transfiguration of Jesus into a dazzling white & God's voice showed to James, John, and Peter that Jesus was truly divine and the son of God. And, the sermon suggested this Transfiguration took place relatively closely to Jesus' arrest and death - as such, the Transfiguration was meant to give these 3 apostles the hope that even during the dark days that were soon to come during the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, that they truly were following the Messiah and that he would rise from the dead - although they didn't quite understand the rise from the dead part at this time. I think it is important for us to remember that we have the knowledge of the full story of Jesus, including his resurrection - hindsight is 20/20 - but the apostles did not know exactly what was going to happen at this particular time. The Transfiguration was an incredible sign of God's control in all that was happening and would happen to his beloved son Jesus. Commentary on the Transfiguration is at bible.org at this link
Verse 24 is an amazing statement from the father of a possessed boy to Jesus- "The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"" I have heard this verse mentioned by the late Christian writer Henri Nouwen. One of his simple prayers that he would pray very often - throughout his day - was simply, "Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief." I know that I have uttered this prayer on occasion in the past and it's been an amazing little prayer to pray - at any time of the day. Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. (The Genesee Diary is the book by Henri where I believe I read about him praying this short prayer where he kept a diary when spending several months in a trappist monastery. This book is a great read to remind us to slow down in our busy lives!)
Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of Josh Wilson's song "I Refuse:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc
Do you refuse to live a lukewarm life? Click here for the ultimate Yes to life!
Comments from You - What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
February 27th
In today’s NT readings we have the incident of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It was witnessed by the three core disciples, Peter, James and John.
Mark 9: 9 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 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, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
The word in Greek for transfigured is Metamorphoo; the word we get metamorphosis from in English. This is the same term we use of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.
Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus on the mount and the disciples are amazed at what is taking place. I think we all would have been stunned. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets and the Law. Peter suggests that three booths be made, but a theophany tells the disciples: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” and the scene returns to normal, again. Jesus instructs the apostles to keep this a secret until He has risen from the dead.
Much could be said of the Transfiguration, but I found a succinct explanation of its primary significance, involving the Kingdom and the Messianic Secret, with which I agree:
“Jesus is God the Son. His ministry on Earth was to display the coming kingdom of God and reveal the pathway to citizenship in that kingdom. In order to do this, he revealed his divine nature to humanity in very real ways. The Transfiguration event was probably the most definitive revelation of Jesus as divine next to the resurrection itself. Here Jesus is shown to be greater than the Law and the Prophets and that he was the beginning of the new covenant of grace that brings humanity to salvation and glory to God.” [From Biblestudytools.com]
Maranatha! IC -|- XC
Prayer for Today:
Lord, accept the sacrifices made by my persecuted Christian family as worship. Their love for You inspires me, and I join with them in responding to Your love. Amen.
Posted by: Jeffrey | 02/26/2022 at 10:54 PM