Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:12a "But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand..."
Day 195 – Mark 9
“But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand…” 2 Peter 2:12a
COMPREHENSION OF SOME OF THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS
Jesus taught His Disciples much. He used different means to teach them deep and wonderful spiritual truths. However, Jesus knew that some of the truths that He had taught would take some time before they were to be fully understood and appreciated.
Matters of the Kingdom of God were not easily understood. The subject of suffering and death would be even more difficult to comprehend and appreciate. It would take time and effort on the part of the Disciples before some of the harder teachings of Jesus would be fully assimilated.
Being the Master-Teacher, Jesus knew just how much the Disciples would be able to fathom His teachings. Some teachings would need further elaboration. Others would need further demonstration of great spiritual power. He would wait upon His Father to reveal His truths to the Disciples.
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS
Did the Disciples find it hard to understand the reality of life beyond suffering and death? One of the ways in which they could understand the reality of the afterlife better would be if they were to be given a glimpse of the other world- the kingdom of God!
“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John,
and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves;
and He was transfigured before them.
His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow,
such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.”
MARK 9:2-3
1. The Inner Circle of Three
These three Disciples, belonged to a special “inner circle” that Jesus Himself formed! They were given a special privilege to be so close to Him.
2. What an experience
Who was Jesus? If ever there were any doubts that Jesus was no ordinary person, the Transfiguration would dispel them!
APPEARANCE OF MIGHTY SERVANTS OF GOD IN TIMES PAST
What added to this experience must be the appearance of two of the most significant servants of God in the ancient history of Israel.
“And Elijah appeared to them with Moses,
and they were talking with Jesus.”
MARK 9:4
There was no room for doubt concerning the reality and the majesty of the Kingdom of God! Elijah and Moses were seen in conversation with Jesus. These ancient prophets were not dead. They were alive and well. They were in the company of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ.