SERIES: Jesus, Son of God: Headlines from Mark
TOPIC: Jesus Outshines all Others
TEXT: Mark 9:2-13
SCRIPTURE:
- This passage tells us about the transfiguration of Jesus. The word “transfiguration” literally means “transformed,” meaning his physical likeness changed. It was God’s way of affirming His Son as the One to hear, the One who “outshines all others.”
- Read this passage aloud with your group, and also read about the same event in Matthew 17:1-9 and Luke 9:28-36. What details do you learn from the other passages?
- Compare the descriptions of Jesus’ clothes, how each Gospel describes the “whiteness.” What words might you use to describe the picture?
- How was the transfiguration of Jesus different from the transfiguration of Moses in Exodus 34:29?
- Discuss together verses 9 and 10.
- Why do you think they weren’t to tell anyone?
- Why would Jesus say not to talk about it until “the Son of Man had risen from the dead”?
- What could that have meant to the disciples?
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- We have lots of voices and noise. Is it difficult to hear Jesus’ voice above all others?
- What noises or voices are competing with the sound of Jesus?
TRANSFORMATION:
- How do we respond when we have a “Jesus encounter”? Do we keep it to ourselves?
- If you agree that Jesus is the One to listen to, how can that become part of your daily experience? Is there time for Him to be heard?
- Talk about the quote below in light of our difficult and uncertain times. How can you reflect God’s message of hope through His Son to friends and neighbors who have no hope?
“Always present the basic gospel message—Christ is in charge of the world, and he is the way to God, because he alone can redeem us from our sins.” Tim Keller
Author and Pastor Tim Keller has a great podcast on Questioning Christianity. The episode on “Hopefulness” may help you with answers you need for your friends and neighbors (and maybe for you, too).
