INDUCTIVE LESSON TEN Deity Revealed The power and the purpose of the transfiguration becomes more apparent as we back up into the previous chapter to get context. In Lesson Nine we saw Jesus ask two questions, Who do men say I am? and Who do you say I am? During the transfiguration of Jesus, we will see God the Father answer these questions in a most powerful way. In addition, Jesus promise to His disciples that some would not die before seeing Him come in His kingdom (literally royal splendor ), was likely fulfilled by the transfiguration. The passage of promise, Matthew 16:28, is recorded in all three synoptic Gospels and appears to be a problem only if taken in isolation and not connected with the transfiguration. Chuck Smith, J. Vernon McGee, and John MacArthur, amongst others, see the phrase after six days (Matthew 17:1) linking these events in time and context. The three slumbering disciples are awakened to Jesus transfigured. The Greek word for transfigured is metamorphoom from which we derive our English word metamorphosis. The same word is used in Romans 12:2 to describe the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. By contrast, Jesus transformation was instantaneous. Charles Wesley s familiar carol sings, Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail incarnate deity. It was as if the veil was suddenly removed and the disciples could see Jesus true nature. The impact of the event was lasting as Peter recorded forty years later, For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to 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 such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory; This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain (2 Peter 1:16 18). Peter heard God s response after he had volunteered to construct three EZ-Ups for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Following God s statement Moses, the author of the law, and Elijah, the epitome of the prophets, were gone, no longer necessary because their words had their fulfillment in Jesus and only He remained on the mountain. The phrase Hear Him means that Jesus is superior to the law and the prophets and we ought to listen and follow His words in obedience. What the three disciples experienced next after the revelation on the mountaintop was the challenge of persistent demonic possession in the valley below. Like Peter, we may want to continue on in our mountaintop experience but it s in the valley below where growth and ministry occur. Spiritual fruit grows best in valleys, not on mountaintops. Prayer Start by praying over the passage and asking the Holy Spirit to give you fresh insights and wisdom in understanding it. Then read through the entire passage two or three times. 1
Memory Verse Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 Study Text / Worksheet Write down your observations, comments, or questions directly on the text as you go over it. Parallel Passages We have slowed down the pace of our study and will be covering fewer verses in each of our lessons. I would strongly encourage you to take a moment to read the account of the transfiguration in each of the synoptic Gospels. Luke alone gives us the content of the conversation that took place between Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. Matthew and Mark give us a precise time reference for the transfiguration relative to the events of Lesson Nine. Luke alone shares the detail that the three disciples nearly slept through the event. Matthew shares the comfort Jesus gave the badly shaken disciples after God spoke to them. The following chart is intended to help learn the background of each of the authors to understand their rationale in emphasizing certain details. Matthew Mark Luke John Jesus is... Promised King Servant of God Son of Man Son of God Original Audience Jews Romans/Gentiles Greeks/Gentiles Universal Theme Jesus is Messiahfulfilled OT prophesy Jesus backed up words w/ action Jesus was fully God and fully man Belief in Jesus required for salvation Writer s Style Teacher Storyteller Historian Theologian Greatest Emphasis Sermons and Miracles and His Humanity Principles Taught Words Actions Author Apostle/ Eyewitness Eyewitness/ Peter Collected Information Apostle/ Eyewitness Author s Tax Collector Evangelist Physician Fisherman Profession Date of Writing 50 70 AD 50 70 AD 60 61 AD 85 90 AD Location of Jerusalem Rome Greece Ephesus Writing Outstanding 5 Major Discourses Miracles Parables Signs Feature Allusions to OT 76 27 42 105 Unique Material 42% only in 7% only in Mark 59% only in Luke 92% only in John Matthew Number of Verses 1071 678 1151 873 2
The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1 9 (also see Mark 9:2 8 and Luke 9:28 36) 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. 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. 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. Elijah s Return Matthew 17:10 13 (also see Mark 9:9 13) 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. 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. A Boy Is Healed Matthew 17:14 21 (also see Mark 9:33 37 and Luke 9:46 48) 14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, Why could we not cast it out? 20 3
So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Jesus Predicts His Death Matthew 17:22 23 (see also Mark 9:30 32 and Luke 9:44 45) 22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up. And they were exceedingly sorrowful. (NKJV) Observation My Observations: In the left column write down observations you make directly from the text. Inductive tips (things to look for): a) What are the promises? b) What are the commands? c) What are the sources of conflict? d) What are the cause/effect relationships? e) What are the repeated words and ideas? f) What do we know about who is speaking and who is receiving the message? g) What comparisons and contrasts can you identify and what do they illustrate? h) What details are unique to the different Gospel accounts (what did Luke include or emphasize that Matthew may have omitted) i) We are very familiar with many of the accounts we will be studying in the life of Jesus. What new insights or observations did you discover when you took a closer look? j) Do you have unanswered questions on part of the passage? (Share them with your group.) Digging Deeper: In the right column write down any additional observations you can add from other sources such as: a) other scriptures that apply (cross references) b) dictionaries for specific words (English or Greek dictionary) c) Bible dictionaries for historical information d) commentaries. See the Tool Box at the end of the study for suggested sources. 3) Study parallel passages in other Gospels. Each of the Gospel writers, while inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote with a definite audience in mind. Accounts found in parallel passages, while very similar, often reveal small but critical details omitted by another author. Interpretation Webster tells us that interpret means to explain the meaning or make understandable. What is the spiritual truth or lesson that God is trying to teach in this passage? Don t isolate the passage but read into it and read out of it. Look for commands, imperatives, promises, or warnings. What is God saying to those people at that time? You will share what God is saying to you in the next section. State the spiritual truth or lesson in a single sentence. 4
Application This is where you purpose to do what God has taught you in your time with Him. It is through applying the Word that God changes lives. Application does not happen by osmosis but by intent. God enlightens us with His Word, we apply what we ve learned with our wills, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to carry out these choices. The goal of all application is to glorify God by becoming more like Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for... Teaching: What did I learn? Reproof: Where do I fall short? Why do I fall short? Correction: What will I do about it? Training in righteousness: How can I make this principle a consistent part of my life? The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1 9 (see also Mark 9:2 8 and Luke 9:28 36) My Observations Digging Deeper Interpretation: Application: Elijah s Return Matthew 17:10 13 (see also Mark 9:9 13) My Observations Digging Deeper 5
Interpretation: Application: A Boy Is Healed Matthew 17:14 21 (See also Mark 9:33 37 and Luke 9:46 48) My Observations Digging Deeper Interpretation: Application: Jesus Predicts His Death Matthew 17:22 23 (See also Mark 9:30 32 and Luke 9:44 45) My Observations Digging Deeper Interpretation: Application: 6
Parable of the Week: The Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25 37 In this section we will be taking a closer look at one of the most familiar and best loved parables taught by Jesus. Today s story along with last week s parable, that of the prodigal son, are the best known of Jesus parables. Indeed, legislative acts which protect the general public from undue liability during good faith rescue attempts are called Good Samaritan Laws. The nobility of helping a perfect stranger seems to be seared into our collective conscience. However, a brief look at the relationship between the Jews and Samaritans in the first century showed that Jesus had truly elevated the concept of being a good neighbor. In contemporary context, it would be as if a Palestinian driving on the West Bank stopped to render aid to a Jew in distress. Luke 10:25 37 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said to him, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? 27 So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. 28 And He said to him, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live. 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? 30 Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you. 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. Spiritual Insight: Application: 7
Take Away / Summary If one of your friends at work or a neighbor were to ask you what you did last night, you would tell them you went to a Bible study. The next question would likely be, What did you learn? We often summarize an entire athletic contest or a movie in a few brief sentences and easily convey the essence of the event. Now apply these same skills to give a summary of the passage in a sentence or two. Then, in an additional sentence or two, describe what impact this passage will have on how you live. Memory Verse Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 Key Words / Phrases Write out the definition of these key words. You can use a regular dictionary or go to one of the Greek sources listed in the Tool Box at the end of the study. You may also use a concordance to see where else and how the word is used in the Bible. transfigured (Matthew 17:2): tabernacles (Matthew 17:4): Tool Box Step 1: The Bible. Read the passage in a couple of different versions. If you are having trouble understanding a passage, chose a more dynamic version such as the New Living Translation or The Message). To focus in on the exact meaning of a verse, choose a more literal translation such as New American Standard Bible or New King James Version. Step 2: Study Tools. Use these to help you dig deeper. Background Information: 1) Unger s Bible Dictionary 2) Bible Dictionaries online at biblestudytools.com and blueletterbible.com Word Studies: 1) Zodhiate s The Complete Word Study New Testament 2) Vine s Complete Expository Dictionary 3) Strong s Dictionary of Bible Words 4) The two websites listed above 8
Step 3: Commentaries. Do not use these in place of studying God s Word directly, but they can give you additional insights. Listed by author/title: John MacArthur, J. Vernon McGee, The Expositors Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, William Barclay (great for background and culture but be careful of his spiritual applications). Step 4: Where Does This Week s Study Fit into the Life of Jesus? 2013 Mark Newton. All rights reserved. Express permission granted for use and reproduction by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, CA. www.harvest.org 9
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