Witnessed by Disciples Matt 17:1-12 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

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1 Witnessed by Disciples Matt 17:1-12 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010 Devotional Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-18 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS WITNESSED THE GLORY OF JESUS' PERSON (MATT 17:1-3) The "Inner Circle" around Jesus (1) The "inner circle" at the garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:37) The "inner circle" at the healing at the house of Jairus (Luke 8:51) The "inner circle" were among the first disciples called (Matt 4:18-21) Three witnesses who were the chiefs of the disciples (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) The Transfiguration of Jesus (2) Transfiguration definitions From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary Transfiguration of the glory that Jesus had before the world began (John 17:5) Transfiguration of Jesus' glory that He received again after death (1 Peter 1:21) Transfiguration of Jesus' glory as the One and Only Son of God (John 1:14) Transfiguration of Jesus' glory that one day will be in His people (2 Thess 1:10) Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus (3) Moses brought the law (John 1:17) Moses had a temporary glory, while Jesus has an eternal glory (2 Cor 3:7-8) Elijah never saw death (2 Kings 2:11) Elijah was prophesied to return before Jesus came (Mal 4:5) Commentary on why Moses and Elijah (from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator) WITNESSED THE GLORY OF JESUS' KINGDOM (MATT 17:4-8) Tabernacles for the Messianic kingdom (4) Transfiguration and the building of Tabernacles (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary) Definition of a Tabernacle (from Barnes' Notes) Definition of the feast of Tabernacles (from Easton's Bible Dictionary) Command for the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:34-37, 42-43) Affirmation from God of the kingdom (5) Affirmation from God that He sent Jesus and that He is Jesus' Father (John 8:18) Affirmation from God about the glory of Jesus (John 8:54) Affirmation from God about all things concerning Jesus (John 5:37) Affirmation from God at Jesus' baptism (Matt 3:16-17) Awe and fear about the glorious kingdom (6-8) Awe about God's kingdom because we are unclean before a holy God (Isa 6:1-7) A glorious kingdom that can never be destroyed (Dan 2:44) A kingdom that will be cleansed by God only (Matt 13:24-30) A kingdom that is an inheritance (Col 1:11-14) Awe about God's kingdom because it is greater than all nations (Mal 1:11) WITNESSED THE GLORY OF JESUS' SUFFERING (MATT 17:9-12) Secrecy until after the suffering (9) Secret because the time had not come yet for it to be revealed (John 2:4) Secret so that God's redemptive purposes could be accomplished (Mark 4:11-12) Witnessed by Disciples Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

2 Secret about God's wisdom that is destined for our glory (1 Cor 2:7) Secret because it was prophesied (Matt 13:34-35) Coming of Elijah before the suffering (10-11) The coming of Elijah that was fulfilled through John the Baptist (Matt 11:12-14) The coming of Elijah that was prophesied in Malachi (Mal 4:5) The coming of Elijah that was used as a scoffing of Jesus on the cross (Matt 27:47-49) The coming of Elijah that precedes a restoration (Acts 3:19-21) Forewarning of the suffering of Jesus (12) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus because it was written in Scriptures (Mark 9:12) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus for everyone (Heb 2:9) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that allows Him to be sympathetic toward us (Heb 2:18) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that teaches us obedience (Heb 5:8) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that provides us an example (1 Peter 2:21) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that provides us joy when Jesus' glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-14) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Jesus transfigured (Matt. 17:13) Three disciples transfixed (Matt. 17:4-8) Jesus and the three disciples conversed (Matt ) Witnessed by Disciples Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. It examines the Witnessing of the Transfiguration by the Disciples. The study's aim is to encourage followers of Jesus to anticipate with sure hope the transformation from mortal bodies to eternal bodies. The study's application is to realize that just as Jesus' appearance changed from normal to radiant, so all believers will eventually be changed in a similar manner (1 Cor 15:51-53). Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Things Are Not Always as They Seem Have you ever seen a celebrity look-alike? Some bear an uncanny resemblance to well-known people. And it seems that this is not a new phenomenon. The American author Mark Twain ( ) was so annoyed by the many people who sent him photographs claiming to look like him that he offered this reply to one: In my opinion you are more like me than any other of my numerous doubles. I may even say that you resemble me more closely than I do myself. In fact, I intend to use your picture to shave by. Although a celebrity double looks like someone famous, the double is not really the famous person. Many things appear to be what they are not. Margarine can look like butter. An actor in a white coat can look like a doctor. Today s text is about a situation like that, only in the opposite direction. Outwardly, Jesus of Nazareth appeared very ordinary (Isaiah 53:2). But the unseen reality was that he was much more than an ordinary man of his time. The Gospels reveal Jesus as fully human but amazingly and paradoxically fully divine as well. He was God incarnate, the Word made flesh who lived for a while among us. Jesus transfiguration manifested that reality visibly to his disciples. To understand him rightly, we need to understand that event as described in today s text from Matthew. Lesson Background The account of the transfiguration in Matthew follows immediately after Peter s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Jesus startling prediction of his death and resurrection (last week s lesson). At the end of that episode, Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom (Matthew 16:28). Those words seem to point forward to Jesus return, when he will extend the fullness of God s rule over his redeemed creation and overcome death for all time. But Jesus statement suggests his resurrection as well, a vital part of God s plan for redemption. And it appears that the transfiguration (today s lesson) also is part of this design, as it provides a glimpse of the glory that belongs to Jesus and will be further revealed in his resurrection and return in glory. The account of the transfiguration provides yet another example of the disciples struggle to understand Jesus. In the preceding story, Peter first declared Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. But then Peter rebuked Jesus when Jesus said that he was to be crucified and resurrected. Though Peter and the others recognized Jesus as God s promised king, they did not yet realize the kind of king he really was. They needed to reckon with the fullness of his glory, and they needed to couple that with his warning that he was to suffer and die. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator When Peter wrote his second epistle, he was anticipating his death (1:14). Since he was concerned that believers not forget the truth they had learned (vs. 12), he wrote to give them reminders (vs. 13). His letter was addressed to "them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (vs. 1). In order to reassure them of the veracity of his message, he told them that "we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom Witnessed by Disciples Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

4 I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount" (2 Peter 1:16-18). When Jesus asked His disciples to identify Him, God directed Peter to declare Him to be "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Jesus talked about the "keys of the kingdom" (vs. 19). He also revealed that "there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom" (vs. 28). That last statement evidently referred to what happened on the Mount of transfiguration. We have all marveled at the metamorphosis of caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. This amazing change in nature is but a pale shadow of what happened to Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration and what will happen to Christians when they finally enter His eternal kingdom. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Witnessed the Glory of Jesus' Person (Matt 17:1-3) 1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. The "Inner Circle" around Jesus (1) The "inner circle" at the garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:37) 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. The "inner circle" at the healing at the house of Jairus (Luke 8:51) 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. The "inner circle" were among the first disciples called (Matt 4:18-21) 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, Three witnesses who were the chiefs of the disciples (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) He took three, a competent number to testify what they should see; for out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Christ makes his appearances certain enough, but not too common; not to all the people, but to witnesses (Acts 10:41), that they might be blessed, who have not seen, and yet have believed. He took these three because they were the chief of his disciples, the first three of the worthies of the Son of David; probably they excelled in gifts and graces; they were Christ's favorites, singled out to be the witnesses of his retirements. They were present when he raised the damsel to life, Mark 5:37. They were afterward to be the witnesses of his agony, and this was to prepare them for that. The Transfiguration of Jesus (2) Transfiguration definitions Witnessed by Disciples Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

5 From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary A display of God's glory in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). Peter cites the Transfiguration as historical proof of the true gospel of Christ (2 Peter 1:16-18). It is hard to imagine what Jesus looked like when He was transfigured, or changed in form. The gospel writers speak of His face becoming bright like the sun, and of His clothes being dazzling white. Peter explains that God gave Him honor and glory (2 Peter 1:17). From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary While our Lord was praying He was "transfigured," i.e., His external aspect was changed, His face gleaming like the sun, and His clothing being so white that it shone like light. The cause of this appearance was that His divine glory shone out through His human form and was not, as in the case of Moses, caused by God's having appeared to Him. Transfiguration of the glory that Jesus had before the world began (John 17:5) 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Transfiguration of Jesus' glory that He received again after death (1 Peter 1:21) 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Transfiguration of Jesus' glory as the One and Only Son of God (John 1:14) 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Transfiguration of Jesus' glory that one day will be in His people (2 Thess 1:10) 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus (3) Moses brought the law (John 1:17) 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Moses had a temporary glory, while Jesus has an eternal glory (2 Cor 3:7-8) 7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? Elijah never saw death (2 Kings 2:11) 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah was prophesied to return before Jesus came (Mal 4:5) 5 "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. Commentary on why Moses and Elijah (from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator) The three disciples were no doubt astounded to see Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 says that Moses died in Moab but that no one found his grave, causing some to wonder whether he really did die. We are told in 2 Kings 2:11 that Elijah went to heaven in a whirlwind without dying. In any case, Moses represented the law, while Elijah represented the Witnessed by Disciples Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

6 prophets, here showing Old Testament approval of Jesus. It is fitting that they represent both the law and the prophets, for the phrase "the law and the prophets" is often used to designate the entire Old Testament Scriptures (Matt 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:16; John 1:45; Acts 13:15; Rom 3;21). Witnessed the Glory of Jesus' Kingdom (Matt 17:4-8) 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Tabernacles for the Messianic kingdom (4) Transfiguration and the building of Tabernacles (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary) Viewing the Transfiguration as a preview of the Messianic kingdom (Matt 16:28), some have seen in Moses (who had died) and Elijah (who had passed from this life without dying) representatives of the two groups that Christ will bring with him to establish his kingdom: dead saints who are resurrected and living saints who have been translated. Likewise the three disciples are seen as representing men living on earth at the time of the Second Advent (L. S. Chafer, Systematic Theology, V, 85-94; G. N. H. Peters, Theocratic Kingdom, II, ). In verses 4 and 5, Peter answered, i.e., responded to the situation. A desire to prolong this experience prompted Peter to offer to erect (I will make) three brush tabernacles, such as worshipers built for the Feast of Tabernacles. In response, the Divine voice came out of the cloud acknowledging Jesus as God's beloved Son, and commanding the disciples, Hear ye him. Moses and Elijah had nothing new to impart (Heb 1:1-2). Definition of a Tabernacle (from Barnes' Notes) A tabernacle is a tent. It was made, commonly, by fixing posts into the ground, and stretching on them cloth fastened by cords. In some instances they were made of branches of trees a temporary shelter from the sun and rain, not a permanent dwelling. Definition of the feast of Tabernacles (from Easton's Bible Dictionary) This feast was designed (1) to be a memorial of the wilderness wanderings, when the people dwelt in booths (Lev 23:43), and (2) to be a harvest thanksgiving (Neh 8:9-18). The Jews, at a later time, introduced two appendages to the original festival, viz., (1) that of drawing water from the Pool of Siloam, and pouring it upon the altar (John 7:2,37), as a memorial of the water from the rock in Horeb; and (2) of lighting the lamps at night, a memorial of the pillar of fire by night during their wanderings. Command for the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:34-37, 42-43) 34 "Say to the Israelites: 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. 35 The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. 36 For seven days present offerings made to the Lord by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the Lord by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work. 42 Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths 43 so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.'" Witnessed by Disciples Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

7 Affirmation from God of the kingdom (5) Affirmation from God that He sent Jesus and that He is Jesus' Father (John 8:18) 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." Affirmation from God about the glory of Jesus (John 8:54) 54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Affirmation from God about all things concerning Jesus (John 5:37) 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, Affirmation from God at Jesus' baptism (Matt 3:16-17) 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Awe and fear about the glorious kingdom (6-8) Awe about God's kingdom because we are unclean before a holy God (Isa 6:1-7) 6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." A glorious kingdom that can never be destroyed (Dan 2:44) 44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. A kingdom that will be cleansed by God only (Matt 13:24-30) 24 Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 "'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" A kingdom that is an inheritance (Col 1:11-14) 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion Witnessed by Disciples Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

8 of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Awe about God's kingdom because it is greater than all nations (Mal 1:11) 11 My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty. Witnessed the Glory of Jesus' Suffering (Matt 17:9-12) 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead." 10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 11 Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands." Secrecy until after the suffering (9) Secret because the time had not come yet for it to be revealed (John 2:4) 4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." Secret so that God's redemptive purposes could be accomplished (Mark 4:11-12) 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" Secret about God's wisdom that is destined for our glory (1 Cor 2:7) 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. Secret because it was prophesied (Matt 13:34-35) 34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Coming of Elijah before the suffering (10-11) The coming of Elijah that was fulfilled through John the Baptist (Matt 11:12-14) 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. The coming of Elijah that was prophesied in Malachi (Mal 4:5) 5 "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. The coming of Elijah that was used as a scoffing of Jesus on the cross (Matt 27:47-49) 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." Witnessed by Disciples Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

9 The coming of Elijah that precedes a restoration (Acts 3:19-21) 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Forewarning of the suffering of Jesus (12) Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus because it was written in Scriptures (Mark 9:12) 12 Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus for everyone (Heb 2:9) 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that allows Him to be sympathetic toward us (Heb 2:18) 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that teaches us obedience (Heb 5:8) 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that provides us an example (1 Peter 2:21) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Forewarned of the suffering of Jesus that provides us joy when Jesus' glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-14) 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The center of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a paradox. On the one hand, Jesus is the Lord of glory, the almighty king, God himself who entered the world as a human being. On the other hand, Jesus gives himself willingly to suffer and die on behalf of the unworthy. We understand who Jesus is and what he has done only when we understand both sides of this paradox. That understanding is more than a matter of theoretical doctrine. It transforms the way that we live. Christians claim to serve the risen Lord, who rules over everything. Yet we continue to suffer in the same way as other people. In fact, sometimes we suffer precisely because we are Christians, experiencing rejection and persecution from the unbelieving world. We can understand why we experience trouble in such great measure when we realize that the Christ who saved us and who rules over us is the Christ who suffered for us. We can be confident that beyond the present difficulties lies a glorious future, assured to us not because of our worthiness but because of his grace, the same grace that took him to the cross. Witnessed by Disciples Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

10 Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Jesus announced that some standing with Him would not die until they saw Him coming in His kingdom (Matt. 16:28). Six days later, this prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain with Him and was transfigured before them. His transfiguration was a preview of Him coming in His kingdom. All the components of Christ's kingdom were present on this occasion. The glorified Christ was on earth, being served by Moses (who probably represented the law) and Elijah (who probably represented the prophets). Jesus had come to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27,44). Peter was greatly moved by what he saw and offered to make three shelters one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Peter was most likely thinking of the Feast of Tabernacles, which required the people to live in booths to remember their experience of leaving Egypt. The Prophet Zechariah foretold that the Feast of Tabernacles would be celebrated in the messianic kingdom (Zech. 14:16-19). Peter's experience on the mountain caused him to think that the messianic kingdom was about to be established. Therefore, it was appropriate to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. His good intentions were marred by his attempt to place Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. The Father quickly corrected Peter by overshadowing the disciples in a bright cloud (of. Exod. 40:34-35) and speaking to them out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." When the disciples heard the voice of God, they were terrified and fell on their faces. Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Arise, and be not afraid" (Matt. 17:7). As the song says, "It's just like Jesus to roll the clouds away" (Worrell, "It's Just Like His Great Love"). Jesus still comes to His disciples who are facing frightening circumstances, touches them, and drives away their fears. When the Lord's disciples looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. That is what the Father wanted; He wanted their eyes completely on Jesus and their ears listening only to His voice. His word is supreme. Peter never forgot this cherished moment. In 2 Peter 1:16-19 he recalled the event, specifically mentioning that he had been an eyewitness of the majesty of the Lord (His glorious transfiguration) and had heard the voice of God affirming that Jesus was His beloved Son. There was no doubt in Peter's mind that he had stood in the very presence of God, for he spoke of the "holy mount" (vs. 18). The only thing that can make a mountain holy is the presence of God (cf. Exod. 3:2-5; Isa. 27:13). The disciples had learned in a dramatic way that Jesus was not just another great prophet. He was greater than Moses or Elijah; He was the divine Son of God, who fully pleased the Father. They owed Him their undivided attention and complete obedience. This experience was given to Peter, James, and John, the inner core of Jesus' disciples, in order to sustain them throughout the ordeal of His crucifixion. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. God chooses some people for special experiences that others will not have (Matt. 17:1) 2. Jesus Christ is the full personification of God's glory; to know Him is to know God (vs. 2) 3. We must never elevate any mere human to the level of Christ's authority (vs. 3-5) 4. When we are stricken with fears, Jesus alone can offer us true comfort (vs. 6-8) 5. Some experiences with God must remain private until the right time comes (vs. 9) 6. Some think they are ready for Christ's coming, but they will be surprised by how unprepared they really are (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator "When Calvin Coolidge was President he saw dozens of people every day. Most had complaints of one kind or another. A visiting Governor once told Coolidge he didn't understand how he could see so many people. '"Why, you finish with them by dinner time,' the Governor remarked, 'while I'm often at my desk till midnight.' "'Yes,' said Coolidge, 'but you talk back'" ( An old English maxim says that silence is golden. In today's lesson, we learn the spiritual significance of that saying as we examine Jesus' command to three of His disciples. Jesus transfigured (Matt. 17:13) It was six days after Jesus' prophetic declaration of His death and resurrection (cf. 16:21). Jesus took Peter, James, and John to an unidentified high mountain and was changed in form before their very eyes. The Witnessed by Disciples Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010

11 transfiguration that the three disciples saw also included an appearance by Moses and Elijah, who were speaking with the Lord. Only three sovereignly chosen disciples witnessed Jesus' transfiguration. For believers, the sovereign choices of the Lord should be cause for celebration and praise. When the Lord chooses to do a unique, sanctifying work in the lives of His children, they should embrace it and discover all that the Lord has in store for them. Three disciples transfixed (Matt. 17:4-8) Peter's suggestion and the disciples' terror magnify the extraordinary spiritual encounter that they were chosen to experience. The disciples' reactions should encourage believers to develop a reverential respect for the presence of the Lord in their lives during times of spiritual intimacy such as worship, prayer, and meditation. Jesus' gracious approach and compassionate touch calmed the disciples' fears. Following this personal encounter, Peter, James, and John saw only Jesus. Whatever spiritual experience a believer has, Jesus Christ needs to be the priority of that experience. Any other emphasis (feelings, personalities, environment) will prove to be fleeting and insubstantial. Jesus and the three disciples conversed (Matt ) Coming down from the high mountain, Jesus charged Peter, James, and John to a temporary period of secrecy. Accompanying this charge of secrecy was their apparent confusion concerning the relationship of Jesus' messianic ministry to His impending death. Jesus graciously responded to His disciples' quandary by revealing to them truth concerning the reality of His messianic ministry. Believers need to develop a spiritual sensitivity to spiritual encounters. Ecclesiastes 3:7 should challenge believers to appreciate that there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." Being filled with the Holy Spirit will enable believers to make wise choices. Believers also need to understand that seasons of spiritual confusion are normal. We do not yet have perfect knowledge (cf. I Cor. 13:9-10). It is crucial, therefore, for believers to also develop a spiritual sensitivity to the "still small voice" (I Kings 19:12) of God. Witnessed by Disciples Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 02/21/2010