4. Who actually responds to Peter s words in Mark 9:7? What does He say?

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1 Women in the Word Mark 9 March 8, What does the word transfigured mean? Write out your definition and then contemplate how you have changed since meeting Jesus. How do you look different to those around you? 2. Read Mark 9:1-10 and describe the unique experience that Peter, James and John have with Jesus. How does Jesus appearance change? Who appears with Him in verse 3? 3. In his fear, what does Peter say to the transfigured Jesus in Mark 9:5? What does Peter mistakenly think is happening? Read Acts 1:6. 4. Who actually responds to Peter s words in Mark 9:7? What does He say? Why should this experience confirm to the disciples that Jesus is the Messiah? Read 2 Peter 1: What instructions does Jesus give to the disciples as they descend the mountain in Mark 9:9-10? When can they talk about the transfiguration? What do you think could happen if word of His transfiguration were spread at this point in His ministry? How would the people react? How would the Pharisees react?

2 6. Read Mark 9: Tell this story from the perspective of the disciples. Women In the Word Mark 9 March 8, 2012 Page 2 Tell the story from the perspective of the boy s father. Now tell the story from the perspective of Jesus. 7. How does belief or faith play a role in the story? Read Mark 9:19 and Mark 9:23. In what ways can the term unbelieving believers describe both the boy s father and the disciples? Have there been times in your life as a believer in Jesus when you did not have the faith Jesus talks about in Mark 9:23? Did you go to Jesus and confess your unbelief? Why or why not? 8. Read Mark 9: What is Jesus doing with the disciples according to verse 31? What does He share with them about his future as the Messiah? What is their reaction in Mark 9:32?

3 Women In the Word Mark 9 March 8, 2012 Page 3 9. In Mark 9:33-34, the disciples argue as they walk along the road. What are they arguing about? What is Jesus response to their desire for greatness in Mark 9:35-37? Why do you think Jesus would use a child to illustrate His point in Mark 9:36-37? Read Matthew 18:3-4 for insight. 10. Read Mark 9: The disciple John expresses a concern in verse 38. What is John s concern and why do the disciples intervene? Is Jesus concerned about the man s activity? What attitude does Jesus promote? What attitude do the disciples promote? 11. Do you think the modern day Church struggles with working together for the cause of Christ? How can we best overcome these difficulties? Read 1 Corinthians 13: In Mark 9:43-48, Jesus uses hyperbole to illustrate to the disciples the importance of dealing with temptations and sins in their lives. According to Jesus in these verses, what should be done with anything that causes a disciple to stumble? Applying Jesus wisdom to your own life, are there temptations that you should take prompt action against? If appropriate, share what actions you need to take. 13. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

4 Women in the Word March 8, 2012 Jesus: Servant and Sacrifice The Highs and Lows of Discipleship Mark 9 The Highs of Discipleship vs.1-13 The Transfiguration: Peter s words show his continued confusion about the mission of the Messiah. God s words affirm His love and His hand of favor on Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus words, as He answers the disciples questions, affirm again that the Messiah will suffer. High points in the journey of discipleship happen when our lives are centered on Jesus: His identity, His future and His truth. The Lows of Discipleship Unbelief vs Faith is a g and a work of God in our lives. We are free to ask him to overcome our unbelief. Independent Spirit vs. 28,29 P acknowledges God s power in our lives and our dependence on Him. Desire for greatness Humbly s others is the antidote for our desire for recognition. vs Elitism vs Recognizing the u of the family of God helps transcend our differences. Lack of self control vs An e perspective will help us take swift and decisive action against temptations in our lives. Low points in the journey of discipleship happen when our lives become centered on o. We can keep our journeys Christ-centered rather than self-centered if we take God s words to heart: This is my Son. Listen to Him. Key: gift, prayer, serving, eternal, ourselves.

5 Mark 9- Women in the Word March 8, 2012 Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hid their faces, he was despised and we held him in low esteem. Colossians 1: 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Ephesians 2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith,--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,.