Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

The Glory of Christ

Bryan Schneider · April 1, 2023

Mark 9:1-8

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-glory-of-christ

Summary

Jesus' promise that some disciples will see God's kingdom present with power is immediately illuminated by the transfiguration six days later.
Before Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transformed and his clothing becomes supernaturally radiant, unveiling rather than creating his divine glory.
Moses and Elijah appear alive and speak with Jesus, yet Jesus—not the lawgiver or prophet—is the radiant center of the scene.
The transfiguration begins a widening revelation of Christ's glory through the cross, torn veil, resurrection, ascension, heavenly session, and future return.
Believers already live under the glorious reign of Christ even while awaiting the day when that glory will be fully manifested.
Peter's frightened proposal of three tabernacles fails to recognize Jesus' uniqueness, but his later retelling displays humility about his mistake.
The Father's cloud recalls Sinai and the tabernacle, identifies Jesus as his beloved Son, and commands the disciples to hear—that is, obey—him.
Reverent fear and assurance belong together: the glorious Judge is also the beloved Son sent in love to save sinners, and seeing him as King enables disciples to obey, take up the cross, proclaim him, and face death faithfully.

How does the transfiguration fulfill Jesus' promise that some would see the kingdom present with power?
Why does the sermon reject the idea that the promise refers only to a return after all the disciples died?
What does the supernatural radiance reveal about Jesus' identity?
Why are Moses and Elijah present, and why does Jesus remain central?
How do the cross, resurrection, ascension, and heavenly reign further unveil Christ's glory?
What does Peter's response reveal about fear and incomplete understanding?
How does the cloud connect this event with Sinai, the tabernacle, and temple?
What does the Father's command to hear Jesus require from disciples?
How can reverence for the glorious Christ coexist with assurance of his love?
Why does seeing Christ's glory prepare believers for costly discipleship?

Transfiguration: Jesus' visible transformation before three disciples in which his ordinarily veiled glory shines through his human appearance.
Glory of Christ: The radiant majesty proper to Jesus as the eternal Son, King, Savior, and exact representation of the Father.
Kingdom present with power: The manifested royal authority of Jesus glimpsed at the transfiguration and revealed progressively in his saving work and present reign.
Shekinah glory: A theological term for the visible manifestation of God's presence, represented here by the overshadowing cloud.
Beloved Son: The Father's declaration of Jesus' unique divine sonship, delight, and authority.
Hear him: The Father's command not merely to hear Jesus' words audibly but to receive, obey, and follow him.
Reverence: Awe-filled worship and obedience before Christ's divine majesty, joined to confidence in his saving love.