Day 30: Jesus is revealed as God’s Son (again)!
Think of your favorite superhero movie. In most of them, the hero just looks like an ordinary guy or girl until we suddenly see them show their superpowers. So far in Mark, we’ve seen Jesus do amazing things—like healing people, walking on water, and feeding thousands with a few loaves of bread. But all along, He’s looked just like a regular guy. In our passage today, we get a glimpse of Jesus looking not so ordinary!
In verse 2, who did Jesus take with Him, and where did they go?
What does Mark say happened to Jesus in verses 2–3?
The word “transfigured” means changed. When Matthew describes this moment, he says that Jesus’ face “shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2).
What two other people appeared and talked with Jesus in verse 4?
Moses and Elijah would have made Jews of Jesus’ day think of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah). So, Jesus meeting with them both was sort of like the whole Old Testament Scripture showing up!
In verses 5–6, what does Peter suggest they do and why?
What happens in verse 7?
When Jesus was baptized, a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Now, at the transfiguration, God’s voice speaks again, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
As they were coming down the mountain (v. 9), what instructions did Jesus give to Peter, James, and John?
How does Jesus’ instruction here remind you of His instruction to His disciples after Peter said, “You are the Messiah!”? (See .)
What are Peter, James, and John wondering about in verse 10?
Many Jews in Jesus’ day believed that at the final judgment day, God would raise His people from the dead. But they had no idea that He would raise Jesus from the dead in their own time.
What do they ask Jesus in verse 11?
Because of Malachi’s prophecy, many Jews believed Elijah would return before the Messiah. Does Jesus agree or disagree with this belief (v. 12)?
At the beginning of his gospel, Mark applies a prophecy about Elijah to John the Baptist. John comes before Jesus to prepare the way. He even dresses like Elijah (see 2 Kings 1:8 and Mark 1:6). But instead of being taken up into heaven, like Elijah, John is beheaded by Herod.
What does Jesus say happened to the new Elijah (i.e., John the Baptist) in verse 13?
In verse 12, Jesus tells His disciples again that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected. Why do you think He keeps reminding them of this?
We’ve just seen Jesus being revealed in His glory on a mountaintop and God’s voice speaking from heaven. Now He’s teaching again that He must die. How is this another example of how God’s kingdom turns things upside down?
Praise Jesus that He is greater than any imaginary superhero and that He chose to use His power to save us by dying in our place and rising again.