Bible ReadingMark 9:1–13And 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.”
[23:18]And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
[24:27]And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
[24:43]And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
[26:14]And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
[27:39]And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
[28:35]And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
[28:46]And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.
[33:49]And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
[40:24]James 1:22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
[20:40]1 Kings 19:11–13And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.
[45:32]And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
[45:49]And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.
[45:56]And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.
[46:12]And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
[46:15]Matthew 28:18–20And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
[34:45]Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
[34:51]teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
[34:58]Observation questions- What details in Mark 9 show that the transfiguration is more than a private spiritual experience for Peter, James, and John?
- What do Moses and Elijah represent in this moment, and what happens immediately after God says, “Listen to him”? [27:04]
- What does Peter want to do on the mountain, and what does Jesus actually do with the disciples afterward? [31:43]
- In 1 Kings 19, where is the Lord not found, and what does Elijah hear after the wind, earthquake, and fire? [45:46]
Interpretation questions- God identifies Jesus as his beloved Son while Moses and Elijah disappear from view. What does this communicate about Jesus’ authority in relation to the law and the prophets? [29:50]
- James warns that hearing the Word without doing it is self-deception. What might self-deception look like for a believer who knows Scripture well but avoids loving neighbors or speaking about Jesus? [37:38]
- Jesus commands his followers to make disciples after his resurrection and promises to be with them. How does his presence change the way a believer might view a difficult conversation, relationship, workplace, or neighborhood? [35:26]
- Elijah expects a powerful encounter, but God speaks through a low whisper. Why might quietness and focused attention be necessary for a believer to recognize God’s direction in ordinary life? [46:34]
Application questions- Think about a time when you felt especially close to Jesus—perhaps at church, a retreat, in worship, or while reading Scripture. What helped you focus on him in that moment, and what could help bring some of that same attentiveness into your normal week? [42:35]
- Where might you be tempted to remain in a comfortable “church bubble”—learning, attending, reading, or listening—rather than putting Jesus’ words into practice outside the church walls? What is one next step of obedience that comes to mind? [38:50]
- Jesus calls his people to make disciples, not simply to keep their experience of him to themselves. Who is one person in your life who may need encouragement, friendship, prayer, or a clearer picture of Jesus? What would a faithful, unforced first step look like? [35:09]
- What distractions most often take your attention away from God: work pressure, school, family responsibilities, social media, noise, entertainment, or something else? What boundary could create a small, realistic space for prayer and Scripture this week? [43:21]
- Silence can feel uncomfortable because it leaves room for worries and unfinished tasks to surface. When could you set aside five or ten minutes this week to cease striving, bring those concerns to God, and listen quietly before him? [48:07]
- Communion reminds Christ’s people that Jesus gave his body and blood so sinners could be forgiven and brought near to God. How does remembering his sacrifice give courage and gratitude for living on mission in everyday life? [50:51]
- Jesus leads his disciples down the mountain and back into the needs and struggles of the valley. What “valley” in your present life may be a place where Jesus is calling you to trust him, serve someone, or live out what you have heard? [49:59]
