A Study of the Book of Mark
Sermon # 31
“A Mountaintop Experience With God”
Mark 9:1-10
The disciples were reeling from the revelation that Jesus would suffer many things, be rejected and be put to death but would rise again (8:31). And even beyond that He issues a call to complete surrender and commitment to self denial and complete obedience. But now, almost in the same breath, He tells the assembled multitude that some of them will not die before they see the Kingdom of God coming in glory. Having declared all of this, Jesus now takes his inner circle of three of his disciples up on the mountain, where they will have experience standing on top of the world with Jesus. What a spectacular time of spiritual encouragement it was.
Wouldn’t it be great if all of life could be lived on the mountaintop? But the true is that life is not lived on the mountaintop. Life is primarily lived in the valley. It is from the mountaintop experiences that we gain the encouragement and strength to face the difficult times.
Today we are going to very deliberately dwell on the majesty and awesomeness of the God whom we serve.
We all have our share of hardships, sickness, and prob-lems but He also allows us to experience a few moun-taintop spiritual experiences along the way, times when we are able to see His glory and His power at work.
“And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." (2) Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by them-selves; and He was transfigured before them. (3) His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. (4) And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. (5) Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"—(6) because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. (7) And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"
(8) Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. (9) Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (10) So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.”
(Mark 9:1-10)
First, The Purpose of Mountaintop Experiences (9:1-2a)
“And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." (2)Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by them-selves.”
In verse one, we read that Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God…” What He was talking about the three disciples who go with him up the mountain will literally see the glory of the Kingdom. For in verse two Mark tells that, “Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up to a high mountain.” Not all of the disciples had the mountaintop experience; only those would need it the most. They were; Peter - who would become the spokesman for the group, John - the apostle who would live the longest and James - the first disciple to be martyred
Mark tells us that Jesus “led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves.” The text does not tell us which mountain, some commentators have believed it to be Mt Tabor (not likely since there was a Roman fortress there at the time) – but it is more likely that it was Mt. Hermon which is the highest mountain in the whole region (9,400’).
But it was a place that was isolated, where they could be alone with God. In order to have intimate fellowship with God it is often necessary to seek seclusion from the world and its influences. The reason that we don’t experience mountaintop experiences more is because we are too caught up with what is going on in our lives in the here and no, and do not schedule time to be alone with God.
Luke in his account tells us that Jesus began to pray when they arrived at the top of the mountain.
“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.” (Luke 9:28)
Repeatedly our Lord took his disciples and went aside to a private place for prayer, rest and instruction.
Each of us needs a place and time of retreat into solitude that we might listen and hear what God would say to us. It is possible even today for us to have experiences with God that bring enlightenment and encouragement as we face great crises.
Secondly, The Privilege of Mountaintop Experiences (9:2b-8)
“…and He was transfigured before them. (3) His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. (4) And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. (5) Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"—(6) because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. (7) And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (8) Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.”
Luke tells us that the disciples are weary after the climb up the mount and evidently as Jesus prayed they fell asleep (Lk. 9:32). When they awoke it was to a very spectacular and surreal scene before their eyes.
•Jesus is transfigured before them (vv. 2b-3)
“…and He was transfigured before them. (3) His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.”
The reason that His clothes became brilliant white is from the light emanating from His body. The word translated
“transfigured” is the word that we get metamorphosis from. When the Bible says that Jesus was transfigured it means he became on the outside what he was on the inside. “For a brief moment the veil of his humanity was lifted and his true essence was allowed to shine through. The glory which was always in the depths of his being rose to the surface for that one time in his earthly life.” [R. Kent Hughes. “Jesus Servant and Savior.” Vol. II (Westchester, ILL: Crossway Books, 1989) p. 15]
The reason that this event is so important in the life of Jesus’ life is because it confirms His deity.
The Psalmist uses similar language to describe God, “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, (2) Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment…” (Psalms 104:1-2)
And the description that Daniel uses to describe the one who was seated on the throne of Heaven, “I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;” (Daniel 7:9)
John uses similar language to describe in the book of Revelation the one he saw seated on the throne of Heaven. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” (Revelation 21:23)
The disciples are given a glimpse of the glory that all believers will behold when we get to Heaven. The writer of Hebrews says, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being” Hebrews 1:3 (New International Version)
The Bible uses that same word in several places to describe the change in a believer’s life after receiving Jesus Christ – in Romans 12:2 - the believer is to “…be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your min…” - in 2 Corinthians 3:18 , we are told that we are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…” - and in Romans 8:29-30 are told believers are “…predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” When we are saved, our lives should begin to take on the image of Jesus Christ in us. Then one day we shall be completely like Him!
•They saw the prophets Elijah and Moses (v. 4)
“And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.”
These were two of the greatest figures from Israel’s history. Elijah was a symbol of the prophets, he had a mountaintop experience on Mt. Horeb. Moses was a symbol of the law, he had a mountaintop experience on Mt. Sinai. Moses died and Elijah was taken directly into Heaven. Does that ring any bells for you? The Transfiguration was a preview of the rapture of the saints at the Second Coming of Christ. Moses and Elijah represent the two categories of people who will be claimed by Jesus upon His return. Moses represents those taken in death and Elijah represents those taken in the Rapture. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” Mark says that they were talking to Jesus and Luke tells what they were talking about “…His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
(Luke 9:31) The word “decease” means exodus, which should be accomplished in Jerusalem. They were talking about the cross. But notice the word “accomplish.” His death on the cross was not a disaster or accident, but rather it was the accomplishment of what He came into to this world to do.
Peter is first of the disciples to react to the events going on around them as recorded in verse five, “Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"—(6) because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.” (vv. 5-6)
The wonder and adoration of that moment was overwhelming. When God does something unexpected, something outside of our realm of experience, words fail us. Mark says that Peter, “…did not know what to say because he was terrified.” (v. 6) But Peter was always someone who had something to say even when there is nothing to say. Peter was the kind of guy who feels that it his job to fill every moment of silence with some verbal observation. I think all of us have fallen into that trap at sometime in our lives.
So Peter says, “….let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (v. 5)
I don’t know for sure what Peter’s intent was but surely implied in the making of the tabernacles is the desire to remain there. Peter and the others wanted to prolong the great moment on the mount. That is the danger of mountaintop experiences, we want to linger there, we don’t want to leave. But I also want you to realize that Peter was perhaps inadvertently putting Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah – just as Islam does today.
Yet the tremendous experience on the mountain top was not designed to produce a spiritual experience that would merely provide emotional satisfaction for the disciples. We need to be on guard lest we interpret our own spiritual experiences with God in terms of something merely to be enjoyed. We are encouraged, that we might be ready to serve.
But while Peter is still speaking God interrupted him and his thoughts of tabernacles when a cloud overshadows them.
•A cloud overshadowed them (7a)
In verse seven we read, “And a cloud came and overshadowed them.” This is the Shekinah glory of God – which was the visible symbol of the power and presence of God. This cloud had led the children of Israel in the wilderness – the cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). This cloud had covered the Tabernacle when it was finished (Exodus 40:35). This cloud had filled the Temple of Solomon when it was completed (1Kings 8:10). It was the same cloud of glory that Ezekiel watched depart because of Israel’s apostasy (Ezk. 11:22). But it had not be seen in Israel for 600 years!!! And now it surrounds them on the mount.
•A voice spoke to them (v. 7b)
As the cloud settled on top of the mountain, out of cloud booms the very voice of God saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" It was a gentle rebuke to Peter because the Father did not say anything about Elijah or Moses. He said, “this is my SON, hear to him.”
God does not tolerate Peter placing Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah.
Do you remember when your mother use to ask you, “Do you hear me?” she was not asking about your ability to hear but about your willingness to obey. This was a command from the Father. The writer of Hebrews explained, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, (2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Peter never forgot that voice for speaking of this experience many years later Peter wrote, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (17) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (18) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16-18)
Third, The Perspective Of A Mountaintop Experience (9:8)
Matthew in his account says that “When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. (7) But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."(Matt 17:6-7) Initially the disciples were overwhelmed, stunned and frightened. This was an experience that they were never to forget!! Peter tells that they “… were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16) Luke says that “… the appear-ance of his face was altered, and his robe became white and glistening.” (Luke 9:29) Matthew said that “…his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2)
Then in verse eight we read, “Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.” Before they realized it the cloud passed away, when the visitors were gone and the voice from Heaven was no longer heard, only Jesus remained. God allows us to have mountaintop exper-iences so we will get our eyes on Jesus.
Conclusion
There was joy on the mountaintop but as we will see in our next study there was need down in the valley. We cannot live on the mountaintop, we must climb the mountain and experience intimate fellowship with God, then we must take what we have gained on the mountaintop back down into the valley.
We must witness the glory of God on the moun-taintop so that we can minister to the misery of man in the valley. At the bottom of the mountain there is always a suffering needy world that needs the ministry of those who have been on a mountaintop with God. We must meet God both in the secret place and in the public place of worship so that we can meet the sinful and needy people in the market place.
“A Mountaintop Experience With God”
Mark 9:1-10
First, The ________________ of Mountaintop Experiences (9:1-2a)
Peter - became the ____________________ for the group
John - the apostle who would ___________ the longest
James - the first disciple to be ________________________
Secondly, The _____________________ of Mountaintop Experiences (9:2b-8)
•Jesus is _____________________ before them (vv. 2b-3)
(Ps. 104:1-2, Dan. l 7:9, Rev. 21:23, Heb. 1:3)
•They saw the prophets ______________ and _____________ (v. 4)
The Transfiguration was a preview of the _____________
Moses and Elijah represent the two categories of people who will be claimed by Jesus upon His return. (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
•A ________________ overshadowed them (7a)
•A _______________ spoke to them (v. 7b)
Third, The _________________________ Of A Mountaintop Experience (9:8)
