His Glory Revealed
Mark 9: 1-8
As we continue through the gospel of Mark, I want to offer a reminder that the breakdown of Scripture in specific chapters and verses was not an act of divine inspiration. The chapter and verse divisions were added by the translators for ease of Bible reading, study, and memorization. We cannot separate the opening verses of chapter nine from the preceding verses in chapter eight. Verse one is a continuation of the conversation Jesus had with the disciples.
Consider what Jesus had just shared with His disciples. He had revealed that He would be betrayed and die at the hands of sinful men. Jesus had offered hope through His assurance of resurrection, but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears. He followed the revelation of His coming death and resurrection with a challenge for the disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. Clearly this was a sobering and shocking conversation for the disciples. Knowing of their dismay and confusion, Jesus offers a word of hope.
We all face difficult seasons in life, times when we are at a loss and unsure of our next move. There are even struggles so intense that the very foundations of our faith can be challenged. In those times of uncertainty and despair, Jesus always provides a word of assurance and hope. I hope you will discover the assurance revealed in this passage and hold on to the truth it teaches as you face the struggles of life. I want to examine the details of this encounter as we consider: His Glory Revealed.
I. The Proclamation of Jesus (1) – And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Keep in mind, Jesus had just spoken of His coming death and the need for them to bear their cross and follow Him. He followed those sobering words with a promise of some of them seeing the kingdom of God come in power before they died. No doubt this brought great comfort and assurance to the bewildered disciples.
For some, this verse has been a source of confusion and debate. The Lord has not returned to earth yet to establish His kingdom. We are some 2,000 years beyond His speaking these words. All of those present that day have long since died. Some liberals contend that Jesus was confused and unsure about the events surrounding and following His death. Such an attitude attacks the deity of Christ and cannot be defended as anything other than pure heresy. While it is true that Jesus has not returned, and the disciples all died before His second coming, we must understand the event of which Jesus spoke. He was not referring to His second coming to establish the Millennial Kingdom, but rather His glorious transfiguration which would take place in a few days after these words. Those disciples would see the kingdom of God, Christ Himself, standing in radiant, unhidden glory.
II. The Transfiguration of Jesus (2-4) – Along with Matthew and Luke, Mark records the glorious transfiguration of Jesus before the disciples. Consider:
A. The People (2a) – And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves. Six days following their intense conversation, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him upon a high mountain. There were twelve disciples following Jesus, but only these three were chosen to make the trip. These men are part of what has been described as the “inner circle.” On several occasions, Jesus allowed only these three disciples to be a part of particular activities. They alone were allowed in when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead, and these three would be called to go a little further with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
This does not imply that Jesus loved these more than the other disciples, but it is evident that they enjoyed a closeness with the Lord the others did not. Our Lord in no respecter of persons, never favoring one above another, but it is undeniable that some enjoy a closer relation-ship with Him than others. I am glad my relationship with the Lord is not dependent on the desire or dedication of others.
B. The Place (2a) – And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves. Jesus has selected a particular place for His transfiguration. The disciples were lead unto a high mountain with Him. While the text doesn’t say, most agree Jesus went unto Mount Hermon, located about twelve miles north of Caesarea-Philippi. Mount Hermon has an elevation of over 9,000 feet. Can you imagine the glory of God being revealed on such a prominent peak in Israel? His glory shines brighter than the sun and surely would have been noticed by those with a vantage point of Mount Hermon.
While studying this passage and the writings of many others, I was reminded of the significance of mountains in Scripture. Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai. Elijah enjoyed victory on Mount Carmel. Jesus was transfigured on Mount Hermon and crucified on Mount Calvary. He ascended from the Mount of Olives and will return there as He comes again to establish His kingdom. There is something special about mountains in the Bible. Maybe that is why I prefer the mountains to the beach.
C. The Purpose (2b-3) – and he was transfigured before them. [3] And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Jesus had brought these men unto the mountain to reveal His glory unto them. He was transfigured before them; the glory that had been robed within a veil of flesh was revealed for them to see. His clothes were brighter than fresh fallen snow, whiter than any launderer could have cleaned them.
God had plans for these men in the coming months and years. They would be instrumental in the birth of the church and the preaching of the Gospel. Their faith would soon be tested like never before, and they would need a reminder of the power and glory of the Lord. While I’ve never seen His radiant glory, one day I will see Him as He is. There are times when He allows us a glimpse into the deeper spiritual matters to encourage and strengthen our faith. The Lord knows what we need and exactly how to equip us for the task ahead.
D. The Perspective (4) – And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. The disciples and Jesus were met by Elijah and Moses on the mountain. This was not an illusion; these men stood with them on the mountain, literally talking to Jesus. Luke reveals that Elijah and Moses talked with Jesus regarding His death. They were discussing the cross looming in Jesus’ future and His impending death to redeem humanity from sin.
Much can be gleaned from these two men talking with Jesus. Moses represents the Law of God and Elijah was the first of the mighty prophets. At this moment the New Testament was unwritten. These men picture the entirety of Scripture pointing to and culminating in Christ. The Bible is His story, the message of salvation through His gracious sacrifice and the hope of eternal life in His resurrection. We know that Moses died and Elijah was taken up in a chariot of fire. The sainted dead will be included in the number around the throne, as well as the believers who are alive when Jesus returns. There is hope for all who are saved by grace, whether they live to see His return or not!
III. The Confirmation of Jesus (5-8) – These verses reveal the confirmation of Jesus by the heavenly Father. Consider:
A. The Declaration (5) – And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah weren’t the only ones talking that day. Seeing those men with Jesus, Peter wanted to stay on top of the mountain. It is encouraging to note that Peter knew who Moses and Elijah were, and that he also recognized a good place when he saw one. Peter spoke before he thought, as he had done many times before. He wanted to build three tabernacles on the mountain – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. We don’t know exactly what Peter meant, but we will soon learn such an idea was not pleasing to the Lord. While it was exciting to see Moses and Elijah, Jesus was the focus; He is Lord.
B. The Intimidation (6) – For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. Peter felt as if he had to say something, but he really didn’t know what to say. These men were afraid, being in the glorious presence of the Lord, along with Moses and Elijah, men who had been gone from earth for hundreds of years.
We too would have been afraid, but there is a lesson we can, and should learn. When you are unsure what to say, it is better to say nothing at all. It has been said, “It’s better to remain silent and be thought foolish, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” We don’t always have to say something. Sometimes it is better to silently contemplate the truths of God rather than always trying to offer an explanation.
C. The Affirmation (7) – And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. Following Peter’s unsolicited response, another unusual event happened. A cloud came over the mountain and the voice of God spoke in their presence. The Father affirmed that Jesus was His Son, and admonished Peter and the others to hear Him gladly. This was not about Moses and Elijah. This was about Jesus being recognized as the Christ. He would soon give His life on the cross for our sin. He was the one they needed to see and hear!
D. The Exaltation (8) – And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. Following the affirmation of the Father, Moses and Elijah disappeared. Jesus again stood alone with His disciples. They began this journey with Jesus, and they would return from the mountain with Him alone. No doubt this was done to emphasize the fact that Jesus was enough. While it was exciting to see Moses and Elijah, they were not there for the disciples’ benefit. If these men had Jesus, they had all they needed. He alone would bear their sin and provide for their redemption. He alone was worthy of their worship and devotion.
This truth needs emphasized today. If we have Jesus, we have all we need. He alone secured our salvation. We are resting in His finished work, not in our merit, our works, or the abilities of another. Many get caught up today in particular movements or following specific men. While I am thankful for those who are used of God to proclaim the Gospel, we must be careful that we never elevate them to a position reserved for Christ alone. I began this journey of salvation with Christ, and He will carry it through to completion!
Conclusion: This has been a familiar passage for most, but it reveals great truth. Jesus wanted these men to see Him for who He was. They would need the reminder of His glory as they faced difficulties in the future. They needed to learn that Christ alone was enough. If they had Him, they had all they needed.
We too need those reminders from time to time as we walk with the Lord. Like Peter we tend to get side-tracked at times, placing emphasis on others when we should be resting in the Lord. He fulfilled the work of redemption by Himself. He alone is our source of salvation, strength, and hope. Are you resting in Christ alone today? If not come to Him and receive the provision only He can give!
