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The Gospel According to Mark part 18 “The Transfiguration” Mark 9:1-13. Mark 9:1) “And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see “the Kingdom of God present with power.”
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The Gospel According to Mark part 18“The Transfiguration”Mark 9:1-13
Mark 9:1) “And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see “the Kingdom of God present with power.” Matthew 16:28) “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” Luke 9:27) “But I tell you truly there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Kingdom of God.”
What are the common elements to these three passages? First, the words are from Christ Himself. Second, Christ is underscoring that His words are absolute and true. This is asserted in Luke with, “I tell you truly,” and Mark and Matthew record it with the word, ”Assuredly.”
What are the common elements to these three passages? Third, The promise is made only to, and refers only to, “some” or a portion of those who were present at the giving of the promise. This is clear from the words, “some standing here.”
What are the common elements to these three passages? Fourth, The promise not see death is given to whoever is the “some standing here.” This promise is not that they will never see death, but that they will not see death until an impendingevent.
What are the common elements to these three passages? Fifth, The impending event is that “the Kingdom of God is present with power,” through Christ. This is underscored in the words, ‘Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” Son of Man is clearly Jesus. The Kingdom is a reference to His glory, as in Luke’s words, “The Kingdom of God.”
Problems with using this text to assert the idea of the imminent return of Christ. First, Every last one of those people including the disciples, died before His return.
This leaves us with four possible conclusions: The writers of the Gospels miss-understood, therefore they got this wrong. This of course undermines the Christian belief that the word of God is, God breathed and therefore is inerrant.
This leaves us with four possible conclusions: The Lord meant to return, but changed His sovereign mind. This leaves us with a capricious God, which is absolutely disharmonious with the rest of scripture.
This leaves us with four possible conclusions: Jesus believed He would return before some of those standing there would die. This means God is not giving His Son the straight scoop. God cannot lie, and since He is omniscient He would not have let Jesus have erroneous information, this rails against the character of God.
This leaves us with four possible conclusions: The last conclusion is, Jesus was not speaking of His return at all. And, it this answer that is born out within the context of the chapter.
A second challenge with using this text as an imminent return text, it’s not in keeping with the context. The entire chapter is about the Transfiguration. Verse one is referring to an impending event which is the Transfiguration.
The third challenge is, the text is not meant to be allegorical at all, but straight forward teaching to His disciples.
Note the use of the word “power,” as well as “eyewitness of His majesty.” Peter is talking of the Transfiguration of Christ.
The word translated for us as “Transfigured” in the Greek is “Metamorphoo,” which we know as metamorphosis; meaning “to change.”
How did Jesus change? The disciples are seeing Jesus true nature, “divine.” The purity of Christ is described as pure white, effecting even His clothes. Jesus is stepping back, at least for a moment, into His divine state yet still maintaining a human form; although Luke tells us that Christ’s face also changed.
Both Elijah and Moses had intimate earthly relationships with God. A. Both had actual conversations with God. B. Both saw the manifestations of God in miracles. C. Elijah was the first great prophet D. Moses was both liberator and law giver.
E. Moses was permitted to see a glimpse of God. F. Elijah, represents those who will not taste death, but be taken into heaven. G. Moses, represents those who die physically, yet are raised to everlasting life.
This of course is the pinnacle of confirmations for the disciples, God Himself confirms Jesus as the Son of God. The words of God recorded by Mark are exactly the samewords recorded by Peter.
It was over, Peter, James and John were privileged to see something no other human beings have ever seen or heard.
Perhaps they could not reconcile the idea of a conquering king, with a dying Messiah; of course, they should have, the Old Testament was replete with assertions to that affect.
The prophet Malachi is foretelling of the prophet Elijah coming before or preceding the Lord. It is characterized as a dreadful day because from that point hence man will be without an excuse for their rejection of God. Salvation is made available to all, but baring accepting Jesus, eternal damnation is upon those He judges.
Note how Jesus responds to their question regarding scripture and events. First, He confirms the scriptures are true. Second, He asks them a question, not so much to induce an answer, but to induce thought.
Fourth, He confirms the scriptures were fulfilled for John exactly has was written regarding the Elijah to come, John fulfilled them.
The Word of God is inerrant. It is trustworthy for all circumstances and situations. It’s tenant’s and commands are to be obeyed. And, if we will let it, aided by the Holy Spirit, it will guide us into all truth.
