Jesus: Suffering Servant part one

MOUNTAIN-TOP MOMENTS
Small group devotion

The purpose of this devotion is to share together our “mountain-top” experiences and discuss what role they have in our faith journey. It’s also a chance to talk about the “valleys” and the “plains” of life and what we do in these moments.

Opening question: Share a mountain-top faith experience (a moment when you encountered God in a very tangible and ecstatic way). If you haven’t had one, share a story of when you’ve felt most alive.

Watch the “Living vlog” posted on 26th October to the Living Room facebook page. Jordan talks about mountain-top experiences.

What role have your “mountain-top” experiences had in your faith journey? Where and when do you find yourself closest to God?

What are the dangers of relying too much on our “mountain-top” experiences? What does that look like? See Leader’s notes 1.

Read Mark 9:2-10. As it is being read focus on Peter, James and John and their reaction to what is going on.

What stood out to you? See Leader’s notes 2.

Just before the transfiguration is a powerful conversation between Jesus and the disciples. Read Mark 8:34-38.

Why do you think Mark puts these passages together? What is he saying about Jesus? See Leader’s notes 3.

What is he saying about what it means to follow Jesus?

The reality is that most our lives are not spent on the “mountain-top” but in the valleys and on the plains. How can we endure these times?

Where is God in these times? See Leader’s Notes 4.

Leader’s notes:

1. Relying too much on our mountain-top experiences can lead to a consumer faith. We become junkies for super-spiritual experiences. Our faith is great when we have these moments but when we’re in the valleys and dark times of life — when God seems distant — our faith very quickly dries up.
2. James and John are notably silent though we’re told they’re frightened (v.6), they discussed among themselves the mystery of the resurrection (v.10), and in verse 11 they ask Jesus about Elijah. Peter “didn’t know what to say” (v.6), but he felt he should say something and so offered to build Jesus, Moses and Elijah a shelter each. What is interesting is the disciples come across as quite ignorant as to what is going on. Jesus’ transfiguration is a foresight of the resurrection, but they have no idea what that means. That has quite a profound impact on our understanding of discipleship. We don’t need to have all the answers and in some ways not having answers is the nature of following Jesus!
3. Mark 8-9 is a transition passage in Mark. It is the culmination of the first half of the gospel, declaring emphatically who Jesus is (see 9:7). But it also prepares the way for the cross and the fact that Jesus must suffer (see 8:31ff.). Mark is strongly saying that Jesus is the Son of God and that as the Son of God he must suffer and endure the cross. This is the scandal of the gospel. For us as disciples is lays down a challenge. Though we often wish our journey would take us up the mountain, following Jesus ultimately means following him to the cross. Suffering, death and the cross is a much a part of the gospel story as is the new life of the resurrection to follow.
4. For Mark, he quite intentionally leaves out a post-resurrection appearance. The transfiguration almost takes its place. As Jesus endures the suffering of the cross, the reader has firmly in her mind the wonder of the transfigured and glorified Jesus. I think this says two things for us: 1. Jesus journeys with us in our suffering and in the hard times of life. He knows the depths of our despair. He knows the dark valleys and the long plains. But 2. He is also the glorified, transfigured Christ — the one who promises victory over sin and death. The one who has power to lead us out. In the hard times of life, we go in comfort knowing Christ is with us, and we go in hope knowing that God through Christ has power to and will save us.