My Personal Journey
Sermon Questions for October 11, 2009 “Encouragement From a Mountaintop”
Mark 9:1-13
My Personal Journey
Where is one outdoor location you feel especially close to God?
What questions did Peter, James and John have as they came down the mountain? What questions would you be asking?
How did Jesus answer their question about Elijah? How does Elijah’s experience foreshadow Jesus’ experience?
The statement in Mark 9:7, “Listen to him!” probably alludes to Deut. 18:15-22. Explain how we can listen to Jesus today.
Why is the transfiguration of Jesus important for us? If you had been one of the three disciples, how would you have felt?
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus: On a mountaintop? In the valley? Some place in-between?
Why were the disciples frightened when they saw Jesus? Would you have been frightened?
Journey Into the Word
In light of what Jesus had just told the Twelve and the crowds in Mark 8:31-38, why do you think He revealed Himself so gloriously just six days after?
In this account God’s voice is heard for a second time in Mark’s Gospel, the first being in Mark 1:11. What purposes are accomplished by God’s affirmation here?
Elijah and Moses were prominent in first-century Jewish thought. Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the Prophets – the two main divisions of the Jewish Scriptures. Why would God choose these men to appear with Jesus?
Why take three special disciples with him? How does Peter react to the events that take place on the mountain? Why would he want to build three shelters?
What is the significance of God’s reply to Peter (9:7) and the fact that following the voice from heaven, the disciples saw only Jesus (9:8)?
According to verse 10, what must have been the topic of conversation between Jesus, Elijah and Moses? (Compare Luke 9:31).
Reread carefully Mark 9:11-13. Why did the disciples ask Jesus about Elijah? About whom was Jesus speaking when he said, “Elijah has come”?
The transfiguration occurs six days after Jesus’ statement, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” What connection do you see between the transfiguration and Jesus’ promise?
In light of what the has just taken place on the mountain, what is the meaning of the words, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him”?