Mark 9:2
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them.
After six days
This phrase sets a specific timeframe, linking the event to what occurred previously in Mark 8, where Jesus spoke of His suffering and the cost of discipleship. The number six often symbolizes human effort and incompleteness in biblical numerology, suggesting that what is about to occur transcends human understanding and effort. The six days may also echo the six days of creation, with the seventh day being a day of divine revelation and rest.

Jesus took with Him
The act of Jesus taking His disciples signifies intentionality and purpose. The Greek word "παραλαμβάνει" (paralambanei) implies a personal and deliberate action. Jesus is not merely accompanied by His disciples; He is actively leading them into a deeper revelation of His divine nature. This reflects the personal relationship Jesus seeks with His followers, inviting them into transformative experiences.

Peter, James, and John
These three disciples form an inner circle, often present at significant moments in Jesus' ministry. Their selection underscores themes of leadership and witness. Peter, often seen as the spokesperson, James, the first apostolic martyr, and John, the beloved disciple, represent faith, sacrifice, and love. Their presence highlights the importance of community and shared spiritual experiences in the Christian journey.

led them up a high mountain
Mountains in Scripture are places of divine encounter and revelation, such as Mount Sinai for Moses and Mount Carmel for Elijah. The "high mountain" symbolizes a place set apart from the ordinary, where heaven and earth meet. The ascent signifies a spiritual journey, a call to rise above worldly concerns to experience God's glory. This setting prepares the disciples for a profound encounter with the divine.

by themselves
This phrase emphasizes solitude and intimacy. The Greek "κατ' ἰδίαν" (kat' idian) suggests a private setting, away from the distractions of the world. It is in these moments of solitude that God often reveals Himself most profoundly. This underscores the importance of withdrawing from the busyness of life to seek God's presence and hear His voice.

There He was transfigured
The term "transfigured" comes from the Greek "μετεμορφώθη" (metemorphōthē), meaning to change form. This transformation reveals Jesus' divine nature, a glimpse of His glory as the Son of God. It is a foretaste of the resurrection and the glorified state of believers. This moment affirms Jesus' identity and mission, providing hope and assurance to His followers.

before them
The transfiguration occurs "before" the disciples, indicating that this revelation is meant for their benefit and understanding. It is a visual confirmation of Jesus' divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah who appear in the subsequent verses. This experience strengthens their faith and prepares them for the challenges ahead, reminding believers that God reveals His glory to those who seek Him earnestly.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is about to reveal His divine glory to His closest disciples.

2. Peter, James, and John
The three disciples chosen by Jesus to witness the Transfiguration. They are part of Jesus' inner circle, often present at significant events in His ministry.

3. High Mountain
The specific mountain is not named, but it serves as a place of divine revelation, reminiscent of other biblical mountains where God revealed Himself (e.g., Mount Sinai).

4. Transfiguration
A miraculous event where Jesus' appearance is transformed, revealing His divine nature to the disciples.
Teaching Points
The Revelation of Jesus' Divinity
The Transfiguration is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine nature, encouraging believers to trust in His authority and power.

The Importance of Witnesses
Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to witness this event, emphasizing the role of testimony in the Christian faith. Believers are called to be witnesses of Christ's glory in their lives.

Mountains as Places of Encounter
Throughout Scripture, mountains are places where God reveals Himself. Seek moments of solitude and prayer to encounter God's presence in your life.

Transformation in Christ
Just as Jesus was transfigured, believers are called to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, reflecting Christ's glory in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose only Peter, James, and John to witness the Transfiguration, and what does this teach us about discipleship and leadership?

2. How does the Transfiguration event strengthen your understanding of Jesus' divine nature and His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?

3. In what ways can you seek "mountain-top" experiences in your spiritual life, and how can these moments impact your faith journey?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced a transformation in your life. How did it affect your relationship with God and others?

5. How can you be a witness to Christ's glory in your community, and what practical steps can you take to share your testimony with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 24
The event on the mountain parallels Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where he encountered God's glory. This connection highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

2 Peter 1:16-18
Peter later reflects on the Transfiguration, affirming its significance and his eyewitness testimony of Jesus' majesty.

Matthew 17:1-8 and Luke 9:28-36
These parallel accounts provide additional details about the Transfiguration, including the appearance of Moses and Elijah.
The TransfigurationAlexander MaclarenMark 9:2
The TransfigurationR. Green Mark 9:1-8
A Vision of HomeMark 9:1-10
Christ the Light of the BodyC. Kingsley, M. A.Mark 9:1-10
Dust of Gold Gathered from a Variety of AuthorsJ. Morison, D. D., J. Morison, D. D., J. Morison, D. D., Bengel., Bengel., Dr. Brown., Hall.Mark 9:1-10
Ecstasy Cannot be ContinuedA. P. Foster.Mark 9:1-10
Elias with MosesH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
Exceptional Hours in LifeJ. Parker, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
How We Know There is a HeavenDr. Newton.Mark 9:1-10
It is Good for Us to be HereBishop Hall., T. M. Lindsay, D. D., J. H. Godwin.Mark 9:1-10
Man's TransformationR. W. Evans.Mark 9:1-10
Moses and Elias Talking with JesusJ. Parker, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
On the Holy MountW. M. Taylor, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
Secrecy Enjoined Till the Son of Man be Risen from the DeadJ. Parker, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
The Decease At Jerusalem; Or, the Power of the CrossDr. Newton.Mark 9:1-10
The Glorified SaintThomas Jones.Mark 9:1-10
The Hiding of the Higher LifeJ. Parker, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
The Influence of Heaven Here BelowA. P. Foster.Mark 9:1-10
The Lessons of the TransfigurationS. Cox, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
The TransfigurationJ. W. Boulding.Mark 9:1-10
The Transfiguration and its TeachingsDean Goulburn.Mark 9:1-10
The Transfiguration Gives Us a Pledge and Earnest of Our Personal Identity in the Risen StateH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
The Transfiguration of ChristW. J. Brock, B. A.Mark 9:1-10
The Transfiguration of ChristDr. Newton.Mark 9:1-10
The Use of Religious ExcitementBishop Walsham How.Mark 9:1-10
Transfiguration of ChristW. H. Lewis, D. D.Mark 9:1-10
A Glimpse of GloryJ.J. Given Mark 9:1-13
The TransfigurationA.F. Muir Mark 9:2-8
Glimpses of the Glory of JesusE. Johnson Mark 9:2-18
People
Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Galilee, High Mountain
Topics
Alone, Apart, Appearance, Bringeth, Change, Changed, Form, Front, James, John, Later, Leadeth, Led, Mount, Mountain, Onto, Peter, Presence, Privately, Rest, Six, Takes, Taketh, Themselves, Transfigured, Underwent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 9:2

     1652   numbers, 3-5
     1653   numbers, 6-10
     4834   light, natural
     5113   Peter, disciple
     5901   loneliness

Mark 9:2-3

     2018   Christ, divinity
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2051   Christ, majesty of
     4859   white
     5150   face

Mark 9:2-7

     2580   Christ, transfiguration

Mark 9:2-8

     4254   mountains

Mark 9:2-13

     5092   Elijah

Library
February 2 Evening
One star differeth from another star in glory.--I COR. 15:41. By the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all.--Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
'He answereth him and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?'--Mark ix. 19. There is a very evident, and, I think, intentional contrast between the two scenes, of the Transfiguration, and of this healing of the maniac boy. And in nothing is the contrast more marked than in the demeanour of these enfeebled and unbelieving Apostles, as contrasted with the rapture of devotion of the other three, and with the lowly submission and faith of Moses and Elias.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Omnipotence of Faith
Jesus said unto him, If them canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.'--Mark ix. 23. The necessity and power of faith is the prominent lesson of this narrative of the healing of a demoniac boy, especially as it is told by the Evangelist Mark, The lesson is enforced by the actions of all the persons in the group, except the central figure, Christ. The disciples could not cast out the demon, and incur Christ's plaintive rebuke, which is quite as much sorrow as blame: 'O faithless
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Unbelieving Belief
'And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.'--Mark ix. 24. We owe to Mark's Gospel the fullest account of the pathetic incident of the healing of the demoniac boy. He alone gives us this part of the conversation between our Lord and the afflicted child's father. The poor man had brought his child to the disciples, and found them unable to do anything with him. A torrent of appeal breaks from his lips as soon as the Lord gives
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Unanswered Question
'What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?'--Mark ix. 33. Was it not a strange time to squabble when they had just been told of His death? Note-- I. The variations of feeling common to the disciples and to us all: one moment 'exceeding sorrowful,' the next fighting for precedence. II. Christ's divine insight into His servants' faults. This question was put because He knew what the wrangle had been about. The disputants did not answer, but He knew without an answer, as His immediately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Salted with Fire
Every one shall be salted with fire.'--Mark ix. 49. Our Lord has just been uttering some of the most solemn words that ever came from His gracious lips. He has been enjoining the severest self-suppression, extending even to mutilation and excision of the eye, the hand, or the foot, that might cause us to stumble. He has been giving that sharp lesson on the ground of plain common sense and enlightened self-regard. It is better, obviously, to live maimed than to die whole. The man who elects to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Salt in Yourselves'
'Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.'--Mark ix. 50. In the context 'salt' is employed to express the preserving, purifying, divine energy which is otherwise spoken of as 'fire.' The two emblems produce the same result. They both salt--that is, they cleanse and keep. And if in the one we recognise the quick energy of the Divine Spirit as the central idea, no less are we to see the same typified under a slightly different aspect in the other. The fire transforms into its own substance
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'This is My Beloved Son: Hear Him'
'And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.'--Mark ix. 7. With regard to the first part of these words spoken at the Transfiguration, they open far too large and wonderful a subject for me to do more than just touch with the tip of my finger, as it were, in passing, because the utterance of the divine words, 'This is My beloved Son,' in all the depth of their meaning and loftiness, is laid as the foundation of the two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jesus Only!
'They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.'--Mark ix. 8. The Transfiguration was the solemn inauguration of Jesus for His sufferings and death. Moses, the founder, and Elijah, the restorer, of the Jewish polity, the great Lawgiver and the great Prophet, were present. The former had died and been mysteriously buried, the latter had been translated without 'seeing death.' So both are visitors from the unseen world, appearing to own that Jesus is the Lord of that dim land, and that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Transfiguration
'And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them. 3. And His raimemt became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 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,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Receiving and Forbidding
'And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34. But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35. And He sat down, and called the Twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36. And He took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when He had taken him in His arms, He said unto them, 37.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Ninth Scholars in Christ's School
"He taught His disciples." --MARK ix. 30-37. And my Lord will teach me. He will lead me into "the deep things" of God. There is only one school for this sort of learning, and an old saint called it the Academy of Love, and it meets in Gethsemane and Calvary, and the Lord Himself is the teacher, and there is room in the school for thee and me. But the disciples were not in the mood for learning. They were not ambitious for heavenly knowledge, but for carnal prizes, not for wisdom, but for place.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lenten Fast.
"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer."--ST. MARK ix. 29. You remember the narrative from which I have taken this verse. Jesus, as we read, had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, and when He was come to the multitude, a certain man besought him saying, "Have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic and sore vexed, and I brought him to Thy disciples, but they could not cure him." Then Jesus rebuked the devil, and the child was cured from that hour. Thereupon His disciples
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

The Child in the Midst.
"And He took a child and set Him in the midst of them: and when He had taken him in His arms, He said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth Me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receiveth not Me, but Him that sent Me."--ST. MARK ix. 36, 37. It is one of the characteristics of our time, one of its most hopeful and most encouraging signs, that men are awaking to higher and purer conceptions of the Christian life and what it is that constitutes such a life. We
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Of Hell
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Mark 9:48. 1. Every truth which is revealed in the oracles of God is undoubtedly of great importance. Yet it may be allowed that some of those which are revealed therein are of greater importance than others, as being more immediately conducive to the grand end of all, the eternal salvation of men. And we may judge of their importance even from this circumstance, -- that they are not mentioned once only in the sacred writings, but are repeated
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Caution against Bigotry
"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name: and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not." Mark 9:38, 39. 1. In the preceding verses we read, that after the Twelve had been disputing "which of them should be the greatest," Jesus took a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, said unto them, "Whosoever shall receive one of these little children in My name, receiveth
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
In the text there are three things very clearly. Here is true faith; here is grievous unbelief; here is a battle between the two. I. Very clearly in the text there is TRUE FAITH. "Lord, I believe," says the anxious father. When our Lord tells him that, if he can believe, all things are possible to him, he makes no demur, asks for no pause, wishes to hear no more evidence, but cries at once, "Lord, I believe." Now, observe we have called this faith true faith, and we will prove it to have been so.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Child in the Midst.
And he came to Capernaum: and, being in the house, he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Absolute Surrender
"And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine. And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine and all that
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
AS certainly as we are here now, it is not long but we shall all be in another World, either in a World of Happiness, or else in a World of Misery, or if you will, either in Heaven or in Hell. For these are the two only places which all Mankind from the beginning of the World to the end of it, must live in for evermore, some in the one, some in the other, according to their carriage and behaviour here; and therefore it is worth the while to take a view and prospect now and then of both these places,
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Three Tabernacles
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. MARK ix. 5. Caught up in glory and in rapture, the Apostle seems to have forgotten the world from which he had ascended, and to which he still belonged, and to have craved permanent shelter and extatic communion within the mystic splendors that brightened the Mount of Transfiguration. But it was true, not only as to the confusion of his
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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