“If We Could See What They Saw” – MARK 9:1-6

What did they see?

Jesus “metamorphed” right in front of their eyes … He changed from one image into another. The man became divine in appearance (9:3). As a sign of the unity of God’s eternal purpose, Elijah (representing the prophets) and Moses (representing the Law) were with Him.

How would you react?

Interestingly, Peter reacted with an excited confusion (9:6a). Not quite knowing what to do, he offered to build “shrines” to each of these three (9:5). That was not the reaction Jesus was looking for. The three together were afraid (9:6b). That, too, was not what Jesus wanted.

In giving them this vision, what did He want them the truly see?

Jesus knew they were ready and He took them with Him. No, it was not all of them, just Peter, James and John (9:2a). To all of them He said six days earlier that they would not all taste death before the kingdom came in power (9:1). On this day, these three would see his GLORY (9:2b)! Amid all of the distraction of our daily lives, if we could just see what they saw in our mind’s eye, our path would be so much clearer.

Each time we struggle … try to envision Him as He was that day and will be when we finally get to see Him face to face!

After the rebuke of Peter and the call to self-denial, these disciples needed a boost. They were looking for the kingdom that Jesus kept talking about, but He began talking plainly to them about His death. Now, He turned the conversation back to the kingdom (9:1).

They would get to see it!

The timing of this shows one of the fundamental facets of our faith. Jesus knew these men needed HOPE to build their faith. Paul links together hope and perseverance (Romans 8:24-25) in the same way that Jesus offered hope at this particular point in his ministry.

If we would only look heavenward each time we struggle …