Bible Commentaries

The Biblical Illustrator

Mark 9

Verse 1

Verses 1-10

Mark 9:1-10

And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter.

Man’s transformation

The transfiguration of our Lord admonishes us of a change which we are to undergo in this life. We must be conformed in our souls and spirits, and the use of our bodies, to the image of the Son of God (Romans 8:29), while we are here, so that we may be conformed to the body of His glory hereafter (Philippians 3:21). O, then, what a stake have we in our treatment of this body. We must keep it in all holiness, even on its own account, and not only because it ministers to soul and spirit. In this same body we are to meet the Lord, and upon the use of it depends the condition in which we shall meet Him, in glory or contempt. We must serve Him and do His work in it now, if we hope to serve Him in it in His heavenly and everlasting kingdom hereafter. But how can we serve Him in it, if we employ it in the service of a different and contrary master? And how can we keep it pure and undefiled as His peculiar vessel, if we be not watchful against the advances of that master, who has so many natural friends in its house? For has not Satan fast friends in its corrupt affections and sinful passions? Look at the man who has clouded his reason, palsied his limbs, by strong drink. See the disgusting, degrading spectacle of his helplessness; hear the revilings, the folly, the blasphemings of his imperfect speech. Can such a one entertain any serious thoughts about the body that shall be? Can he be living in the hope of being glorified together with Jesus Christ? See another man. His body is seen anywhere else but in this place, where is the assembling of the body of Christ in one body, one spirit, to give glory and worship to our great Head, with one mind, with one mouth; to stand before that throne where sits the Son of Man at the right hand of God, in that body which suffered and rose again. What can he care about the most precious privilege of the body that shall he; the standing face to face before his Saviour in a like body, amid the company of His saints in glorified bodies? In the same manner we may go on and deal with sins less open and gross than these, and show how inconsistent they all are with any hope of a joyful resurrection in a glorified body; and how necessary is the bath of tears of repentance to all who commit them, that so their sins may be washed out for the sake of Jesus Christ, and they may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. Now, therefore, while yet it is the season, let us do the things which concern the body that shall be. Our present body is the seed of the body to come. It may be as unlike it, as the small black shapeless seed of the tulip is to that beautiful flower. Still it is the seed, and according as we sow it, we shall reap. If it go into the ground laden with sin, ignorant of God’s service, the mere corrupt remains of what has been expended in folly, in idleness, in unprofitableness, in rebellion against the commandments of God, in neglect of duties, in abuse of privileges, then it will come out of it a vile and noxious weed, which shall be cast into the everlasting fire. But if the sinner shall turn away from his sin, and by a change of heart and life conform to the example of Christ; if he will take his body out of the service of sin, and conformity to the world, and use it in the service of righteousness; if he will thus, in this world, be transformed into the likeness of the body of Christ, in all temperance, in all purity, in all deeds of holy living, then he will have “sown to the Spirit”; and of the Spirit he shall, through the Lord and Giver of life, reap life everlasting. In a body, no longer of flesh and blood (which cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven), in a spiritual body, compared with the glory and powers of which the most beautiful body in the flesh is corruption, the strongest and most healthy is the impotence of death; he shall stand on the everlasting mount of heaven, transfigured from this mortal body in the raiment of a body shining as the sun, white as no fuller on earth can white, and gathered into the company of the sons of God, such as Moses and Elias, and beholding the Son of God in eternal glory face to face, shall say with the joyful cry of the song of the full sense of thankful blessedness, “Master, it is good for us to be here.” (R. W. Evans.)

On the Holy Mount

I. That seclusion is needed for the highest devotion.

II. That a devotional spirit sees new glory in Christ and in His Word.

III. That devotion is not the whole life.

IV. That devotion furnishes support for the performance of the duties and the endurance of the trials of life. (W. M. Taylor, D. D.)

Christ the light of the body

There were other wonders in that glorious vision besides the countenance of our Lord. His raiment, too, was changed, and became all brilliant, white as the light itself. Was not that a lesson to them? Was it not as if our Lord had said to them, “I am a king, and have put on glorious apparel, but whence does the glory of My raiment come? I have no need of fine linen, and purple, and embroidery, the work of men’s hands; I have no need to send My subjects to mires and caves to dig gold and jewels to adorn My crown: the earth is Mine, and the fulness thereof. All this glorious earth, with its trees and its flowers, its sunbeams and its storms, is Mine. I made it-I can do what I will with it. All the mysterious laws by which the light and the heat flow out forever from God’s throne, to lighten the sun, and the moon, and the stars of heaven-they are Mine. I am the light of the world-the light of men’s bodies as well as of their souls; and here is My proof of it. Look at Me. I am He that ‘decketh Himself with light as it were with a garment, who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters, and walketh upon the wings of the wind.’” This was the message which Christ’s glory brought the apostles-a message which they could never forget. The spiritual glory of His countenance had shown them that He was a spiritual king-that His strength lay in the spirit of power, and wisdom, and beauty, and love, which God had given Him without measure; and it showed them, too, that there was such a thing as a spiritual body, such a body as each of us some day shall have if we be found in Christ at the resurrection of the just-a body which shall not hide a man’s spirit when it becomes subject to the wear and tear of life, and disease, and decay; but a spiritual body-a body which shall be filled with our spirits, which shall be perfectly obedient to our spirits-a body through which the glory of our spirits shall shine out, as the glory of Christ’s Spirit shone out through His body at the transfiguration. “Brethren, we know not yet what we shall be, but this we do know, that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:3). (C. Kingsley, M. A.)

The influence of heaven here below

The spirits, good and bad, are all about us. There are no communications from the spirits, but they are here and interested in our affairs. The angels are here. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” And the fallen spirits are here as well. Who dare say that there are not demoniac possessions today? They are not common in Christian lauds but I cannot regard them impossible. Men sometimes become satanically ugly from no other apparent cause than that they give loose rein to their passions, gratify them without restraint, and so lose, in time, all power of controlling their passions by any consideration of self-interest. The assassin Guiteau was such a man, and there is little doubt that Guiteau was possessed of devils. We are told that our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” No doubt that the unseen world enwraps us, while we must guard ourselves most sedulously from the superstition and deception too often connected with the truth. (A. P. Foster.)

Ecstasy cannot be continued

Be patient in the darkness; you cannot have the light all the time. Peter would have three tabernacles. No, no! it was not best. We can have no continuing ecstasy. It would rack the soul to pieces. Many have glimpses, but no eye can look steadily on the sun. We must console ourselves with memories and anticipations. These supreme moments which come to us occasionally in the Christian life are foretastes of the heavenly bliss. (A. P. Foster.)

A vision of home

Years ago, after a weary climb up the flank of a high mountain, a friend led me by a path through the woods to the head of a gorge. On either side, to right and left, stood the huge mountain, while before us, at the end of a mighty gulf, was an enchanting vista. Five or six miles away a village was full in sight, nestling among the hills, surrounded with lovely green, and encircled with glories such as only a setting sun can paint on the western sky. There was our home. Now, beyond doubt, the vision on Tabor was to the wearied disciples, whose feet already had begun to tread a dark and dangerous road, far more wonderful and delightful. It was to them a glimpse of home. Far off, indeed, it seemed, and yet there at the end were glories ineffable.

The transfiguration and its teachings

God leaves not His people in the midst of many and sore trials, without vouchsafing to them occasional periods of spiritual refreshment. The sight then given to them of the King in His beauty left a heavenly savour upon the souls of the disciples, which abode with them to their dying day.

I. The glimpses of Christ obtained, and the foretastes of glory experienced, in the sanctuary. Between that holy mountain and a Christian sanctuary many points of resemblance are discoverable.

1. The mountain summit is a secluded spot, removed from the din and turmoil of the earth; the house of God is a spot from which worldly affairs and associations are excluded; where the things of time and sense fall into the background.

2. The holy hill was made by Jesus a place of prayer. God’s house is a house of prayer. It is chiefly in the holy converse with God which is there carried on that the furrows of care and sorrow are obliterated from his brow, the earthliness of his spirit is worn away, and its features made to glow with a tinge of heavenly lustre.

3. The holy hill was a mountain of testimony. A two-fold testimony was here borne to Jesus. Jesus alone remained: a token that He fulfilled the Law and Prophets. Also, “This is My beloved Son.” In the preached word in the sanctuary man bears his testimony to Christ: a suffering Redeemer should be presented to the mind of the people in God’s house of prayer. Also the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ-“He shall testify of Me.”

4. In both places alike slumberers are awakened-“Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep, and when they were awake they saw His glory”: a beautiful emblem of the Word of God reaching down to the sinner’s heart through the joints of a harness of insensibility, and rousing him from the death-like trance of sin to an apprehension of spiritual truth. When such an one is awakened, his attention is first engaged with the Saviour’s glory. The Light of the World is the central object on which his eye fastens. But after the soul has once apprehended the beauty and excellency of Christ, its views of Him in all His offices are continually enlarged. Fresh glimpses of the King’s beauty are vouchsafed to it from time to time in the sanctuary.

II. The design with which such glimpses of Christ and foretastes of glory are vouchsafed.

1. One main design of the transfiguration in reference to the apostles was to strengthen their faith in their Master’s Divinity.

2. Another design was, doubtless, to nerve and prepare the apostles for endurance in the cause of Christ.

III. The temporary and transient character of these glimpses of Christ and foretastes of glory which the people of God experience here below.

1. Much as we could wish to retail that enjoyable sense of God’s presence, yet it is God’s will that after we have refreshed our spirits by these foretastes of glory, we should, “in the strength of that meat,” descend once again to the plain and encounter, for a few years more, the buffetings of the world. The soul cannot always be in its pleasant places, nor, while this life lasts, does God intend that it should. There is a daily round of duty which it is the Lord’s will that we shall execute as His appointed task. Genuine apprehensions of Christ’s love are incentives to exertion, not to sloth and self-indulgence.

2. The questioning which, when our Lord approached the multitude, was being carried on between the scribes and His disciples. The first sounds which greeted His Divine ear on reaching the plain were sounds of debate. Nothing grates with more harshness on the ear of one accustomed to hold communion with God, and to live much in a spiritual atmosphere, than religious controversy. Those who are called to controversy should be much in the sanctuary, and submit a willing ear to the testimony of Jesus. (Dean Goulburn.)

The transfiguration of Christ

I. What the disciples saw-“He was transfigured before them.”

1. The unveiled glory of Christ.

2. The glorified attendants from the world of spirits.

3. The bright cloud of the Divine Presence. Not a dark cloud as under the old dispensation, but a cloud of light.

II. What the disciples heard.

1. An affecting conversation.

2. An approving testimony.

3. An authoritative command.

III. What the disciples felt.

1. The blessedness of heavenly society.

2. A solemn awe-“sore afraid.”

3. The Saviour’s touch.

IV. Practical instructions.

1. This manifestation was given to disciples.

2. This communication was given whilst they were praying.

3. To prepare them for future trials. (W. J. Brock, B. A.)

Transfiguration of Christ

1. One design of the transfiguration, undoubtedly, was to give the disciples some idea of Christ’s future appearance, when He should come in His kingdom.

2. But, again, another purpose of the transfiguration was probably to honour Christ and His gospel.

3. But, again, we have in this narrative, in strong contrast with the glories of the transfiguration, the weakness of poor humanity.

4. But why, let us again ask, has our Church selected such a portion of Scripture as this to be read at this season? It seems, at first view, very inappropriate. What have we to do in Lent with the glories of the transfiguration? Why, when we are called to humble ourselves in prayer and confession of sin, are we directed to such a portion of God’s Word as this? Because the most remarkable feature in this transaction was, that amid the splendours of that transfiguration, the death of Christ has the most prominent place. (W. H. Lewis, D. D.)

The use of religious excitement

Vivid emotions are, by the law of their being, transient. They cannot last. Possibly, their very intensity is, roughly speaking, the measure of their evanescence. Souls cannot live and work on day by day with the emotions at high pressure. Now, what is to be said of these Occasional times of excited feeling?

I. That no man must take religious feeling for religion. But after that, what? That all such excited feelings are false, and hollow, and perilous, and must, therefore, be at once suppressed? That plain, simple obedience to God’s will is all in all, and, therefore, all deep emotions are evil and to be avoided? Surely, no. Surely, the true thing to be said is this, that God gives these periods of strong feeling as mighty helps to our weak and wavering courage; that they are a spur to the halting obedience, and a goad to the reluctant will. True, these feelings must be guided and regulated and led into practical channels, else, of course, they will run to waste, and leave behind them only the barrenness of a field, over which the flood has rushed headlong in its devastating course. I am not speaking of ungoverned and fanatical excitement, but of deep and powerful religious emotion, when I say that God gives it to carry us by its force over the earlier difficulties of the new and converted life, or to nerve us to resolutions and set us upon courses of action, which would, probably, be impossible to the calculating calmness of dispassionate reason. But I think, my brethren, these times of unusual religious fervour have another use. They open to the soul visions of a state of love, and joy, and heavenly mindedness, which, if afterwards they turn into nothing but regret and longing, nevertheless, leave behind them a blessing. It is good for the weary toiler, conscious of his cold, shallow heartedness, the poverty of his faith, and love, and hope, to be able to say, though sighing as he says it:-“I have known the blessedness of a bright, triumphant faith. I have understood what it is to pray with holy fervour.” Can it be well to say, “I have known,” when it were so much better to be able to say, “I know”? Yes, I think it is well; for, if he be wise who says it, he will know that these higher, deeper, keener feelings cannot be always with him. He will gather up the truths and the duties they have brought to him, as we gather up the bright shells and gem-like pebbles on the seashore when the spring tide has ebbed. Those will be kept, when the surging waves that bore them to our feet have retired. He will regard the swelling of his emotions, when the sun of God’s grace has melted the snow of his chilled heart as the overflow of a river; and he will no more expect the flow of his religious feeling to maintain the fulness and force to which it has at times risen, than he would expect a river to be always at the flood. Let us once realize that these more vivid religious emotions are occasional helps and not permanent states, that they reveal to us what might be, but for the weakness and earthliness of our nature, and are in themselves no proofs of high attainments of grace, and then we may thank God for them, and not be afraid or ashamed to say, “I have known,” when we dare not say, “I know.”

II. How far is religious emotion to form any part of our daily religious life; or, in other words, how far are the feelings to be regularly employed in the service of God? What shall we say as to ordinary religious emotion? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Assuredly, as I repeat, our feelings were not given us for the purpose of being crushed out. Our religion is not one of mere dry duty. The very fact that love holds so prominent a place in it is a proof that, at least, some amount of religious feeling is necessary for a true religious life. But I would ask this: If we read our Bibles candidly, does it not seem that a greater amount of religious emotion is expected to find place in the daily life of Christian men than is commonly felt or commonly supposed? St. Paul was a most thoroughly practical man, eminently a man of action, always up and doing. He surely was one who would scorn to let feeling take the place of obedience, or to suffer the simple daily duties of life to escape under the cloak of heavenly aspirations and high-flown sentiment; yet, if anything is plain in his Epistles, it is that the life of duty, however rigid and self-sacrificing, without love, joy, peace-a life of obedience, in other words, without emotion, would utterly fail to satisfy him. Has, in a word, even excitement no work to do, no end to answer, in the daily Christian life? Take any keen, eager, impulsive, excitable person, may I not believe that God gave such person the power of quick impulse and eager aspiration for some worthy end? What is that end, my brethren? Is it to enjoy a ball, or a novel, or a sport? One would really think so when one hears of so many people who, themselves keenly enjoying all manner of worldly amusements, and throwing themselves into them heart and soul, as we say, when they see others as keenly and engrossingly giving themselves to religious occupations, settle the matter with a self-satisfied smile by saying, “Oh, it is all excitement!” Might it not be a better way of looking at it if they should think and say, “I don’t know how such an one can enjoy so much religion. I only know I don’t and can’t. I wish I could. I wish I could take delight in high and holy things.” (Bishop Walsham How.)

The lessons of the transfiguration

The practical question for us to consider is this-How does the transfiguration fit into our lives? What should be its effect on us?

I. It confirms our faith in Christ as the true redeemer of men. Ii. It should animate us to follow Christ in the way of the cross. Our Lord, after announcing that He must needs die, taught His disciples that they must die with Him and like Him; that they, too, must deny themselves and take up the cross; that they must lose their life in order to save it; that to gain the whole world and lose their own souls would be but a sorry exchange; and that, if they were afraid or ashamed thus to follow Him, He would be ashamed of them when He came in the glory of His Father and of the holy angels (St. Matthew 16:21-28; St. Mark 8:31-38; St. Luke 9:21-26). Self-sacrifice is the law of the highest life; we can only rise into the life of love as we deny and crucify the self in us; we must die to the flesh if we would live and walk in the spirit; the body must die before we can rise into a sinless and perfect life. In one word, religion must be a life-long effort, a life-long sacrifice. Not in mere enjoyment, even though it be an enjoyment of worship, of growth in knowledge, or of quick spiritual response to fine thoughts and pure impulses, but by toil, by self-denial, by really spending ourselves in the service of God and man, by a constant reaching forth after still higher and nobler aims, do we rise into the life and follow the example of Christ Jesus our Lord. Try yourselves by this test, then. Ask yourselves whether your religion has yet become a sacred and inspiring reality to you, making toil, pain, sacrifice, death itself, welcome to you, if you may thus win Christ and be found in Him. (S. Cox, D. D.)

Elias with Moses

Reasons are not far to find why these two should be brought back together from the other world to take part in the scene.

I. They were the representatives of the quick and dead. Moses had died; Elijah had ascended alive into heaven. They were types of the two great divisions which shall appear before the same Lord when He comes in the glory of which that was a glimpse and foretaste, the dead and the living both standing before the judgment seat of Christ.

II. Both had passed from earth in mystery: the first buried by the hand of God in some unfrequented valley apart from his countrymen; the other not dying, but vanishing instantaneously in the midst of life. Both had disappeared, no more to be seen by mortal eye till, in far-distant times, the same Hand that had carried them away should bring them back on the Mount of Transfiguration. It suggests the mighty truth, that, however we are taken, whether lost to men in the depth of the sea, or consumed by the devouring fire, it matters nothing to the Great Keeper of His people, Who will bring all back again at the last day.

III. But the chief motive, no doubt, was to unite the representatives of the three great Dispensations of Divine government-the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel. (H. M. Luckock, D. D.)

The transfiguration gives us a pledge and earnest of our personal identity in the risen state

And doubtless one reason for the preservation of our identity is for mutual recognition-that we may know hereafter those whom we have known in the flesh. It puts before us a powerful incentive to make friends on earth with whom we may spend not only the life here, but the eternal life in heaven. Again, the scene opens up a further field of thought, when we recall the fact that St. Peter was able to recognize Moses and Elijah, though he had never seen them in the flesh. Shall we, then, recognize the great saints in the world to come, whom we have learnt by the study of their lives and work to know as though we had seen them face to face? There was clearly something-it, may have been some lingerings of the splendour which illumined his face after communing with God, which painters have tried to express by the familiar “horns of light”-we cannot tell what it was, but it satisfied the apostle that the form was none other than that of Moses. Will there be nothing by which, in like manner, we shall recognize the Baptist, or the Beloved Disciple, or the Blessed Virgin, or Mary of Magdala? Will the student of theology, who has read the mind of St. Augustine, or pictured the fiery Athanase, with his feeble frame but lion heart, confronting the world for the great mystery of the Blessed Trinity, find no means of identifying them when they meet hereafter? Will there be nothing to mark painters like Fra Angelico or Raphael, or poets such as Dante, or Tasso, or Milton? It must surely be that marks of recognition, in all who have witnessed for God and moulded the minds of men by their words or works, will not be wanting. (H. M. Luckock, D. D.)

It is good for us to be here

If any earthly place or condition might have given warrant to Peter’s motion, this was it.

1. Here was a hill-the emblem of heaven.

2. Here were two saints-the epitome of heaven.

3. Here was Christ-the God of heaven. (Bishop Hall.)

Peter and his fellows were so taken with the sight of the felicity they saw, that they desired to abide on the mount with Jesus and the saints. What moved them shows what will delight us when this transient world is over, and God will gather His people to Himself.

1. Here was but Hermon; and there will be heaven.

2. Here were but two saints; there, the mighty multitude no man can number.

3. Here was but Christ transfigured; there, He will sit at the right hand of God, enthroned in the majesty of heaven.

4. Here was a representation for a brief interval; there, a gift and permanent possession of blessedness. (T. M. Lindsay, D. D.)

The transfiguration teaches us that

The transfiguration

The Saviour was strengthened for conflict. Moses and Elias talked with Him, not concerning the dark aspects of His death, but its wonderful effects.

I. The transfiguration was a preparation for the disciples. They saw some manifestation of their Master’s glory. How greatly this would strengthen them. Was a source of comfort in after times.

II. The transfiguration has its practical lessons for us.

1. The mountain of prayer is always the mountain of transfiguration. If we would have our trials and sorrows transfigured, we must get up into the mount of converse with God. Here we see them in their dark aspect, only there can we learn how to glory in tribulation.

2. The hour of prayer is often a foretaste of future joy.

3. Let us always remember the decease which Jesus accomplished at Jerusalem. Christ’s death is our one all-powerful argument with God. All blessing to the world, and to us, comes through that precious death. In heaven much of our converse will be of “the decease,” etc. (J. W. Boulding.)

The glorified saint

Every faculty, thought, and emotion shall reflect His holiness, truth, and love. The leafless tree, trembling in the cold blast of the winter winds, is the image of what we now are; the same tree covered with foliage, blossoms, and fruit, is the symbol of what the sanctified soul shall be. The dark sorrowful cloud hanging heavily in the atmosphere represents our present state; that cloud penetrated by the rays of the morning light, fringed with gold, made luminous and beautiful by the splendour of the rising sun, is the expression of the glory that shall be revealed in the spirits of redeemed men. The mind shall be illumined with the pure light of knowledge unmingled with error; the heart shall be filled with all the emotions which constitute perfect bliss; the imagination shall soar to the highest regions and present nothing to the soul but visions of truth and beauty. The whole nature shall be in harmony with itself, with God, with the holy intelligences of the spirit world, and with all the circumstances in which it shall forever exist. (Thomas Jones.)

Dust of gold gathered from a variety of authors

The decease was the keystone of the arch of glory. (J. Morison, D. D.)

In the interior of Christ’s being there must have been an infinite fulness of heavenliness, of all that constitutes the essential glory of heaven. (J. Morison, D. D.)

“Hear ye Him,” for His words embody the very thoughts, desires, and determinations of the Divine Mind. (J. Morison, D. D.)

The name of the mountain is not mentioned, and thereby superstition is prevented. (Bengel.)

The cloud shows that human nature cannot bear the glory of God without admixture or interposition. (Bengel.)

Ah! bright manifestations in this vale of tears are always departing manifestations. (Dr. Brown.)

How can we hope ever to be transfigured from a lump of corrupt flesh if we do not ascend and pray? (Hall.)

Exceptional hours in life

There are exceptional hours in human history, when men utter words which attest the grandeur of the human mind, when the countenance burns with the fire of intelligent enthusiasm, and the voice reaches a tone of purer music than is born of earth; and in those exceptional hours we see somewhat of the dignity of human nature. Multiply this by infinitude, and we shall know something of what the disciples saw when Christ’s “face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.” (J. Parker, D. D.)

The hiding of the higher life

The hiding of the higher life will be in proportion to its compass and elevation. The young Christian talks more of his experience than the old Christian, just as a rill may make more noise than a river. An ordinary mother talks much of her child; but the mother of Christ “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (J. Parker, D. D.)

Secrecy enjoined till the Son of Man be risen from the dead

I. Christ’s life not to be told in fragments.

II. The parts of Christ’s life are mutually explanatory.

III. The resurrection of Christ, the great reconciling and all-explaining fact in His ministry. His profoundest words would have had no meaning had He not known that He would rise again from the dead. (J. Parker, D. D.)

Moses and Elias talking with Jesus

I. Deputed men are still living.

II. Death does not destroy the individuality of men.

III. The greatest of departed men are interested in the work of Christ.

IV. Immediate personal communication between departed spirits and men yet in the flesh is possible. (J. Parker, D. D.)

The transfiguration of Christ

To what may we compare this wonderful change? Suppose you have before you the bulbous root of the lily plant. You look at it carefully, but there is nothing attractive about it. How rough and unsightly it appears! You close your eyes upon it for a brief space. You open them again. But what a change has taken place! That plain, homely-looking bulb has disappeared, and in its place there stands before you the lily plant. It has reached its mature growth. Its flower is fully developed, and blooming in all its matchless beauty! What a marvellous change that would be! And yet it would be but a feeble illustration of the more wonderful change that took place in our Saviour at His transfiguration. Here is another illustration. Suppose we are looking at the western sky, towards the close of day. Great masses of dark clouds are covering all that part of the heavens. They are but common clouds. There is nothing attractive or interesting about them. We do not care to take a second look at them. We turn from them for a little while, and then look at them again. In the meantime the setting sun has thrown his glorious beams upon them. How changed they now appear! All that was common place and unattractive about them is gone. How they glow and sparkle! Gold, and purple, and all the colours of the rainbow are blending, how beautifully, there! Are these the same dull clouds that we looked upon a few moments before? Yes; but they have been transfigured. A wonderful change has come over them. And here we have an illustration of our Lord’s Transfiguration. The first wonder about this incident in His life is the wonderful change which took place in His appearance then. (Dr. Newton.)

How we know there is a heaven

A Sunday school teacher was talking to one of her scholars about heaven, and the glory we shall have when we reach that blessed place. He was a bright boy, about nine or ten years old, named Charlie. After listening to her for a while, he said: “But you have never been there, Miss D., and how do you know there really is any such place?” “Charlie,” said the teacher, “you have never been to London; how do you know there is such a city?” “O, I know that very well,” said Charlie, “because my father is there; and he has sent me a letter, telling me all about it.” “And God, my Father, is in the heavenly city,” said Miss D., “and he has sent me a letter, telling me about the glory of heaven, and about the way to get there. The Bible is God’s letter.” “Yes, I see,” said Charlie, after thinking awhile, “there must be a heaven, if you have got such a nice long letter from there.” The lesson of hope is the first lesson taught us by the transfiguration. (Dr. Newton.)

The decease at Jerusalem; or, the power of the cross

A heathen ruler had heard the story of the cross, and desired to know its power. When he was sick, and near his end, he told his servants to make him a large wooden cross, and lay it down in his chamber. When this was done, he said: “Take rue now and lay me on the cross, and let me die there.” As he lay there dying, he looked in faith to the blood of Christ that was shed upon the cross, and said: “It lifts me up: it lifts me. Jesus saves me!” and thus he died. It was not that wooden cross that saved him; but the death of Christ, on the cross to which He was nailed-the death of which Moses and Elias talked with Him, that saved this heathen man. They knew what a blessing His death would be to the world, and this was why they talked about this death. (Dr. Newton.)

Verses 2-8

Verse 7

Mark 9:7

This is My Beloved Son: hear Him.

Hearing Christ

I. We should hear the Lord Jesus with resolution. “I will go.” Nothing shall prevent me; no employments, no pleasures; no solicitations, no difficulties. The Son of God calls me, and I must go. Thus we ought all to feel.

II. We must hear Him with submission. Not the pride of the world only, but our own pride, is to be resisted. We have no right to say how much or what part of His message we will receive, or when or where we will follow Him.

III. We must hear Him with attention, with serious and concentrated heed.

IV. We must hear Him not so much from the principle of fear, as of deep and earnest affection. He came to speak to us because He loved us.

V. We must hear Him with singleness of mind, placing no other instruction on a footing with His, far less yielding them the precedence. (F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D.)

The ministry of Jesus

I. Christ is God’s Messenger to man. He came forth and proceeded from the Father. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. He had

II. Man’s duty to God’s Messenger. Hear Him-

1. Because His ministry is the supercessor of the ministries of Moses and Elias.

2. Because this ministry contains matters of universal importance.

3. Because the rejection of this ministry leaves no moral instructor available. Christ is the truth of God, through whom the Father’s latest will is made known to man. Hear Christ’s words, catch Christ’s spirit, obey Christ’s law, and you shall inherit Christ’s promises. (J. F. Porter.)

Hear Him

I. Christ’s authority is divine.

II. Christ’s authority is undivided.

III. Men are to be heard only so far as they repeat Christ’s words. (J. Parker, D. D.)

Verse 8

Mark 9:8

Save Jesus only.

Jesus only

I. When the workman is tempted to waste his employer’s substance, or the time which is his property, and says to himself, “There is nobody to see; nobody will know,” he would be checked if he remembered and realized that in absolute fact he owes his duty to no man, save to Jesus only, Jesus who for thirty years shared the workman’s lot, and put dignity forever upon honest handiwork.

II. But not alone for this world’s business and behaviour, and temperament, is this thought true: in the matter of the soul’s salvation blessed are they who see no man save Jesus only.

1. There is danger for the young in letting their religion be based on mere love or regard for a minister or a religious friend.

2. Others there are who allow their religion to be unduly influenced by particular places and circumstances.

3. In the days when we feel burdened with a sense of our sin, may we then look to no man, save to Jesus only.

4. In the hour of death you will have the one Friend to go with you, when all others must leave you. (Canon Erskine Clarke.)

Jesus only in death

When Bishop Beveredge was on his death bed, his memory so failed that he did not know even his nearest relative. His chaplain said, “Do you know me?” “Who are you?” was the answer. His own wife asked him, “Do you know me?” “Who are you?” was the only answer. On being told that it was his wife he said that he did not know her. Then one standing by said, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” “Jesus Christ,” he replied, reviving as if the name acted on him like a cordial, “yes, I have known Him these forty years: He is my only hope.” Brethren, when our time cometh to depart to the place of peace, may we in like manner see no man, save Jesus only. But if the presence of Jesus is to abide with us when flesh and heart and mind are failing, it must be cherished in the days of health and strength and vigour.

None missed if Jesus be present

Love brings to the Saviour a flaming heart; obedience comes on willing feet; patience bows down to receive its load: while faith stretches out an empty hand, to be filled with His free gifts. A faithful Sunday school teacher lay dying. The light of heaven was in his eye, and seraphic smiles played upon his thin lids, as he thought of his mighty Redeemer. Just before he sank away, he turned to his daughter, who was trying to anticipate his every wish by her loving care, and said, “Bring-.” More he could not say, for strength was too far gone. “What shall I bring, dear father?” asked the anxious child. “Bring-.” “Dear, precious father, do tell me what to bring!” The dying man rallied for a last effort, and feebly murmured-

“Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all!”

If, in the closing hour of life, the Saviour is as near to us, we cannot complain of the lack of other comforters. We shall be sure to awake at last to His likeness, and shall shine forth as the sun, in our Father’s kingdom. (J. H. Norton.)

Man’s abiding Friend

Whoever and whatever vanishes, Jesus remains with His disciples.

I. Though physical health departs, He abides. When heart and flesh fail, He is present to succour and strengthen the soul, and to bear it to one of the many mansions He has prepared.

II. Though worldly possessions disappear, He remains. Secular wealth, rightly used, is an incalculable blessing; it not only serves to relieve from all worldly anxieties, and minister to bodily comfort and intellectual enjoyment, but also gives us power to help our fellowmen both temporally and spiritually. But how often do riches take wings and fly away! But Christ is the true riches: He is of more value than untold gold; and nothing can deprive us of Him.

III. Though dearest friends depart, He abides. Good men are constantly losing from their social sphere those who have charmed them with their presence, and inspired them with their talk. When listening to them either in the sanctuary, the club, or on the domestic hearth, they have felt it good to be there. But one by one they vanish; the time comes when the best is gone, and all is social desolation; and like the disciples, they look around, and see no man any more, save Jesus only, with themselves. He is the abiding Friend, and having Him we have all. (D. Thomas, D. D.)

Jesus only with themselves

I. It was a symbolical intimation that when He that is perfect and eternal had come, all that was imperfect and preparatory should vanish away. And that this latter was the character both of the Law and the Prophets is obvious. Moses had Christ constantly in view, and the entire scheme of Levitical worship which he was inspired to draw up, looked forward to Him. So, too, the prophets in various ways predicted an age of surpassing glory, which should culminate at the Messiah’s coming.

II. Not only was all prophecy fulfilled in Christ, but the prophetic character also received its perfect development in Him. He not only announced, He was, the Word of God. The lesson of this mysterious scene was this: that Moses and Elias and Christ were three no longer, no more separated, but made one by God. Legislator and prophet both were summoned to the scene of the transfiguration, and both symbolically (by vanishing away, leaving Jesus only with the disciples) consigned their finished work into Christ’s hands, knowing that henceforth there was but one dispensation, one tabernacle, one gospel. (H. M. Luckock, D. D.)

Verses 9-13

Verse 10

Mark 9:10

What the rising from the dead should mean.

The Resurrection: its moral meanings

Men heard them gladly, because they preached the resurrection; and because the truth was so purely human as well as purely Divine, it overran and mastered the world.

I. It seems to explain man’s place is the creation. Man’s position at the head of this creation places him on the threshold of a higher creation, in which the true sphere of his royalty lies. Such a world as this is too small, too poor, to be the home and the realm of his manhood; its true function is to train him for his royalty beyond. The risen man, by rising, enlarged quite infinitely the field of man’s vision, activity, interest, and hope. The risen man explained every propulsive movement and yearning in man’s nature-all his kinglike form and instinct: while the weakness, the poverty, the pain, the dread, belonged to his mortal and transitory sphere. Men heard the doctrine gladly, for they saw the true form and stature of the human in the man Christ Jesus; in the risen Christ God’s idea of humanity was for evermore unveiled.

II. It seemed to unfold the meaning of the mystery of matter-the mortal body in which the soul finds itself enshrined, or, as it is ceaselessly tempted to cry, entombed. The mystery of embodiment is the essential mystery which perplexes and bewilders the world. Men found it hard to see how there could be fair room for the flesh in any scheme of the world which should include the rule of a wise, righteous, and beneficent Lord. The gospel of Jesus and the resurrection flashes at once a flood of light on man and on his constitution. There is One, a man, “bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,” who has borne the body through death, who took it again joyfully when death had slain its mortality, and bore it with Him to the spiritual and eternal world. The revelation of a glorified human body in the world behind the veil was the sanctification, not of the body only, but also of all material things on this side the veil; it was the sign from heaven that they were originally and essentially not of the devil, but of God. We cannot in these days measure the range of that emancipation-man freed from the tormenting thought that he bore a devilish part about with him, a body which could never be tamed to a true subjection, never trained to a Divine use.

III. It seemed to cast light on the still deeper and darker mystery of evil; it explained the meaning by unveiling the end of man’s moral discipline. It proclaimed, as nothing else that we can conceive of could proclaim, God’s mastery over all that was dark and malign in nature and in life. Thenceforth man could fight the battle in hope, and was saved. It was the flashing out of a victorious force over sin and death, which lit up the world and made it radiant with hope, when the apostles preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (J. B. Brown, B. A.)

Questionings concerning the resurrection set at rest

I see the force of all this; I admit that the death and burial of a seed, while it suggests the bare possibility of man surviving that dissolution which we call death, by no means raises the presumption that it is so to the height of a proof. All we can say is that there are certain analogies for it from plant life, and other analogies against it from animal life; and who can tell which way it will ultimately turn? It is at this stage of the argument that the resurrection of Jesus Christ comes in to decide our wavering minds. Until Easter day we stand with the disciples, questioning what the resurrection of the dead should mean; but now we question no longer. In this respect we are as the contemporaries of Columbus were when he boldly set sail from Palos in August, 1492, and in less than three months set at rest the problem of ages. His return from the voyage to the Bahamas turned presumption into proof. It was no longer a question on which sides might be taken. In a sense it was now set at rest. It admitted no further argument. Those who continued obstinate, and held out for the old opinion, as some of Columbus’ contemporaries did, in spite of evidence to the contrary, could only be left to their own obstinacy. (J. B. Heard, M. A.)

Verses 14-29

Mark 9:14-29

And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great multitude about them.

The evil spirit cast out

Learn from this narrative-

I. The omnipotence of true faith in God. It is not so much the amount of one’s faith as the kind, and the fact that one really has it (Matthew 17:20).

II. The powerlessness of Christians without true faith.

III. The discreditableness of Christian inefficiency, leading to questionings and discussions that do more harm than good.

IV. The inefficiency of Christians their own fault. In Christ they may be complete (Colossians 2:10).

V. The duty of ever living year to Christ, relying on Him always and everywhere. (Anon.)

The secret of power

Christ’s reply taught the disciples that-

1. Miracles needed force to work them.

2. Soul forces are the highest class of forces, and faith force is the highest of all soul forces.

3. Faith force needs cherishing

4. Earnest love is the secret of all miracles. Had they made this sorrow their own-fasted as for their own trouble, prayed as for their own mercy-their love would have “believed all things,” and been triumphant in its faith. (R. Glover.)

The afflicted child

This miracle stands inseparably connected with the transfiguration.

I. The Christian is the representative of Christ. The father came to consult Christ, but in His absence appealed to His disciples, it should have been a safe appeal. So, everywhere and always, the Christian represents Christ. He holds in his hands the great trust of Christianity. Coming to him should be equivalent in the healing, saving result to coming to Christ.

II. The failure of the disciple is charged as the failure of Christianity. We do not claim the continuance of the power of miraculous healing, but we do claim the presence of Divine power in the Church. The Christian is entrusted with it. He should be always in possession of it. Let our ideas be clear, our claims carefully scriptural, but let it concern us when Christianity is without manifested power. Men will be turned astray and led to question and despise religion.

III. Christ always manifests himself to protect His Church and to assert His power. It may be after delay. But He comes. He cannot fail.

IV. If one fails with a disciple, let him go directly to Jesus. The petitioner who fails with the captain, goes to the colonel. If he fails again, an earnest petitioner will not stop until he has appealed, if necessary, at headquarters, to the commander-in-chief.

V. Parents should know the condition of their children. Make the moral nature of your child as careful a study as his physical nature. Do not assume too readily that, because young, he is innocent, and good, and harmless.

VI. The difficulty in the way of healing is not want of power in God, but want of faith in man. Faith all must have who would receive benefits from Christ. The blessing given is in proportion to the degree of faith. No faith, no blessing; little faith, partial blessing; great faith, great blessing. (G. R. Leavitt.)

The disciples nonplussed

Like some mighty general who, having been absent from the field of battle, finds that his lieutenants have rashly engaged in action and have been defeated, the left wing is broken, the right has fled, and the centre begins to fail; he lifts his standard in the midst of his troops, and bids them rally around him; they gather; they dash upon the all-but triumphant foemen, and soon they turn the balance of victory, and make the late victors turn their ignominious backs to the flight. Brethren, here is a lesson for us. What we want for conquest is the shout of a King in the midst of us. The presence of Christ is victory to His Church: the absence of the Lord Jesus entails disgraceful defeat. O armies of the living God, count not on your numbers, rely not on your strength; reckon not upon the ability of your ministers; vaunt not in human might; nor on the other hand be discouraged because ye are feeble; if He be with you, more are they that are for you than all they that are against you. If Christ be in your midst, there are horses of fire and chariots of fire round about you. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

The afflicted son

I. The man’s affliction.

1. It was not personal: not in himself, but through his child.

2. It was the consequence of affection. Our love is the source of joy; it is also the cause of pain. Our relationships are a blessing; they often become a curse.

3. It was very terrible. A son not only imbecile, but who could do nothing for his own support.

II. The man’s advantage. Affliction is not an unmixed evil. On the contrary, God often makes it a means of the greatest blessings. In this particular case it led to two great mercies.

III. The man’s mistake. Instead of going to the Master at once, he went to the servants. They tried to afford relief, but they tried in vain. This course is very natural to mankind.

1. Our pride induces it. Naaman was too proud to simply obey the Divine command; he wanted the prophet to come and touch him with adulation and respect.

2. Our carnality causes it. We are of the earth earthy. We do not apprehend spiritual things, and will have nothing of them.

3. Our faithlessness produces it. We don’t believe in the power of an unseen God. It is a painful tendency of the human mind to make gods of men, a tendency which in ancient times developed into idolatry.

IV. His application. Finding no other help, the man was obliged to go at last to Christ. We may see here, however-

1. His persistency. Although not relieved by the disciples, he was not deterred by their failure; and probably the disciples, when they failed, did as they ought to do-pointed him to their Master.

2. His small amount of faith. Apparently he was so disheartened that he did not know what to do. Faith differs in degree. How strong was that of the centurion-“Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed.”

3. The training of his understanding. Christ first rebuked him-“O faithless generation,” etc.

and then encouraged him-“All things are possible to him that believeth.”

V. His developing faith.

1. He acknowledges his conviction. He began to realize the truth of what the Master said. The germs of belief had existed before; otherwise he would not have approached at all.

2. He confesses his imperfection-“Help my unbelief.” There are degrees in everything-in growth, health, wealth.

3. He regrets his weakness-“He said, with tears.”

4. He applied for succour. We may bring all our weakness to the Saviour.

VI. His success. Jesus saved the son. There is help for the weakest. (B. L.)

Sinful men may be looked upon as possessed of the devil

In a hundred ways he tears them, and throws them down; he stops their intelligent speech, and sends them wallowing and foaming in sin. None but Jesus can do helpless sinners good. Even disciples fail. No priest can offer sufficient sacrifice; no man can redeem his brother. “Bring him unto Me!” Faith is in every case of instrumental usefulness positively indispensable. There are times when Christ Himself will do no mighty works because of unbelief. “O faithless generation!” How quickly this explains the coldness and backwardness of the churches. When faith is feeble, what faith there is may well be employed in securing more faith. “Help mine unbelief.” Pray to the “Lord,” even if the word be not in this verse; and pray “with tears” too! (C. S. Robinson, D. D.)

The dumb man possessed with a devil

I. The case of this man.

1. This does not appear to be an ordinary case of dumbness.

2. It was not due to mental ecstasy, such as occasionally produced a temporary suspension of speech. The father of Baptist.

3. The man is described in simple and instructive language as having “a dumb spirit.”

II. The intervention of the man’s friends.

III. The power of Jesus.

1. Absolute supremacy.

2. The manner of the exercise.

3. The mystery of its power. (L. H. Wiseman, M. A.)

I. The application itself.

1. It was made by an afflicted parent. The child mentally afflicted in mind and body-“Oft times the evil spirit.” Every sinner is so far under the power of the devil.

2. It was made by a party that deeply felt the circumstances in which he himself and his suffering child were placed

3. That the person who made it stood ready to do whatever our Lord should direct. For this readiness to obey a truly humble heart prepares us, softened by grace.

4. He despaired of help from any other quarter. He was on the verge of despair previous to our Saviour’s administering help. Our minds must be brought off from every other dependence.

5. The party before us had a little faith, and was pleading for more.

II. The reception which this application to our Saviour met with.

1. Jesus administers reproof to His disciples and to all around Him. Christ often has to reprove us; we deserve it.

2. Jesus directs the sufferer to be brought to Him.

3. Jesus proceeds to correct the views, and inform the mind of the suppliant. Light is given with grace.

4. Jesus gives the party before us the warrant or authority for that faith which He called him to exercise.

5. He strengthens the confidence of the party, whom He thus authorizes to draw near to Him for the blessing requested.

6. The earnestness with which we should draw near to the Great Physician for spiritual help.

7. In some cases of healing special means are to be employed-“Prayer and fasting.” (Joseph Taylor.)