8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

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."  2  Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3  His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4  And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"

6  because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. 7  And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" 8  Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. 9  Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

I. Intimacy with Jesus results in experiencing His Glory (Intimacy is not an end in itself)

A. The Kingdom is the OT promised rule of the Messiah when He takes up His glory (see Mark 1/Isa 40 Repent the kingdom of heaven is at hand)

B. Those closest (first/last) to Jesus now will be closest to Him in the future (being-results in doing)

John 14:21  "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he  who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

C. Worship is expressed in faithful obedience (Hear Him – {Worship=Response to Revelation})

Dt 18:18  ‘I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19  ‘And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

D. Metamorphosis: What was objectively true about Christ (God in the flesh) became subjectively true in His experience

As we become intimate with Christ (though loyal following) the objective truths of our identity will be our daily practice/experience.

Rm 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Know Feel/Value, Do; see: Lies we Believe)

II. Mountaintop experiences equip us for work in the valley

A. Contemplation of Christ recharges our batteries for the Cause of Christ (faithfully and sacrificially loving others Mt 28:19-20)

John 8:12…"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

B. We have an eternity to bask in the Light of heaven, but we only have our lifetime to light up our little corner of the world.

John 17:4  "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

Jn 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."   OLB MHC “Let us thank God for daily bread and not expect a continual feast on this side of heaven.”

C. We must not be ashamed of Christ and His Words (8:38), but must be Spirit-controlled in our actions and speech

Mt 5:14  "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Mt 5:16  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Col 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Re 22:12  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

D. “Seeking together” is a hallmark of a disciple (9:9e)

Jn 8:31 If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

1Jn 1: 7 if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What clues to “life on the other side” do you find in this passage?

2. Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal His glory to only three disciples, and then tell them to keep quiet about it?

3. How do you strike the balance between being not ashamed of Christ and His words and being wise in speaking with “outsiders”?

4. Is there a key to the metamorphosis order/process? Where is it easiest to conform? Hardest to change?

5. What do you do last week and what will you do this week to renew your mind and morph into Christlikeness?