Six days later Jesus took ###, ###, and ###, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then ### and ### appeared and began talking with Jesus.
—Mark 9:2-4 NLT
Jesus appeared here with two groups of "friends." Group one was made up of Jesus' inner circle of three of his followers — ###, ###, and ###. The other was made up of two mighty figures from Israel's past, ### and ###. Jesus' dazzling white clothing is a powerful symbol of his heavenly origin and superiority. For Jesus to be classified with ### and ###, to be friends and in conversation with them, was incredible to his three followers. [1] Little did they realize that God would elevate Jesus to a status above these great teachers, leaders, and prophets. Of particular interest to me, Jesus didn't have all his followers with him — not even all the twelve apostles participate in this moment. Jesus shared in relationships at different levels of closeness. The LORD didn't invite every disciple into every experience. Instead, he invested heavily in his twelve apostles. He devoted himself most heavily to shaping his "inner three," each of whom would later impact the early church in powerful ways. We can't change everyone, and we certainly can't change the world on our own. We can, however, impact a few who, in turn, can influence a few more, who will impact a few others. Before long, our influence reaches way beyond ourselves. So in whom are you investing your life, and to whom are you passing on your faith?
[1] Mark 9:5-6.
Father, please use my life to make an impact for good and spread the grace and character of your Kingdom. Give me wisdom to know those in whom I should invest my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 9:2-4 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus appeared here with two groups of "friends." Group one was made up of Jesus' inner circle of three of his followers — ###, ###, and ###. The other was made up of two mighty figures from Israel's past, ### and ###. Jesus' dazzling white clothing is a powerful symbol of his heavenly origin and superiority. For Jesus to be classified with ### and ###, to be friends and in conversation with them, was incredible to his three followers. [1] Little did they realize that God would elevate Jesus to a status above these great teachers, leaders, and prophets. Of particular interest to me, Jesus didn't have all his followers with him — not even all the twelve apostles participate in this moment. Jesus shared in relationships at different levels of closeness. The LORD didn't invite every disciple into every experience. Instead, he invested heavily in his twelve apostles. He devoted himself most heavily to shaping his "inner three," each of whom would later impact the early church in powerful ways. We can't change everyone, and we certainly can't change the world on our own. We can, however, impact a few who, in turn, can influence a few more, who will impact a few others. Before long, our influence reaches way beyond ourselves. So in whom are you investing your life, and to whom are you passing on your faith?
[1] Mark 9:5-6.
Today's Prayer
Father, please use my life to make an impact for good and spread the grace and character of your Kingdom. Give me wisdom to know those in whom I should invest my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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