Saturday: 6^th Week in Ordinary Time-B:

I Reading: James: 3:1-10: 1-10: Nobody can tame the tongue.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-13: In their presence he was transfigured.

The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heaven’s Glory

The purpose of the transfiguration was to reveal heaven’s glory. Heaven’s glory would strengthen Jesus to bear the cross and strengthen the disciples in their belief. A close study of the transfiguration will strengthen the faith of any believer in his Lord. And a strengthened faith will enable the believer to bear the cross of his own call.

1.     Jesus took three disciples all alone up a high mountain (v.2)

2.     The transfiguration strengthened Jesus (2-4)

a.     His transfiguration: His clothing began to shine

b.    His companions: Talked with Jesus

i.                   The Great Prophet

ii.                 The Great Lawgiver

3.     The Transfiguration strengthened the disciples (5-6)

a.     Helped their shattered faith

b.    Gave them a taste of glory

c.      Struck them with awesome fear

d.    Made them witnesses of God’s approval

4.     The transfiguration gave a unique opportunity to discuss God’s Messiahship (8-13)

a.     Jesus shared the disciples to tell no man about the experience until after his resurrection

b.    The disciples discussed the resurrection: Why must Elijah come first?

c.      Jesus corrected the disciples

i.                   Elijah was to come first

ii.                 Scripture also said that the Messiah was to die

iii.              Elijah had already come: He was John the Baptist

Thought: The believer must often get alone with Christ in order to have his strength renewed. (Is 40:31; 41:10; 41:1; 2Cor 4:16). Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Belief in Him is absolutely essential. (Jn 8:24; 4:25-26; 6:69; 11:25-27; Acts 9:22; 17:2-3; 1Jn 5:1).