Discussion Questions 9.2-13

Introduction

• Have you had any further thoughts this past week about what it means to follow Jesus in his suffering, death and resurrection?
• This next section serves to further emphasize Jesus’ authority to define both the role of the Christ, the Messiah, as well as to define the terms of discipleship.

The Text: Mark 9.2-13, Page 17.26-19.13

• Read the text aloud to each other.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the significance of Jesus having this conference with Moses and Elijah just after Jesus announces his immanent future: suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection? How might the appearance of Moses and Elijah, both ‘dead’ for centuries, impact the disciples understanding of the resurrection?
• Discuss all the reasons you can think of for Peter, James and John’s terror.
• Talk about the voice: When was the last time in Mark a voice spoke about Jesus, and what did it say then? What does it say now? How do we know who the voice is talking about? What might these words mean to Jesus? To the three disciples?
• Discuss the three disciples’ question about Elijah and Jesus answer to them. Apparently the scribes have a different understanding about Elijah’s return than does Jesus. What does Jesus say about Elijah’s return? How does this comment relate to Jesus’ comments about the Son of Man? 

Application reflections

• If Jesus is God’s beloved Son, why is God sending Jesus to suffering, rejection, death and resurrection? Why has God chosen to overcome evil and death by Jesus’ death and resurrection and not by reestablishing David’s kingdom on earth to overcome Roman and restore the Law?
• What does it mean to us to ‘listen to him’? Is there something that the Lord is saying to us that we would rather ignore?
• Do we, like the scribes and possible the disciples, have any understandings about Old Testament prophecy that we need to submit to Jesus’ authority?

Pray