Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Are you able to "multi-task" and listen to multiple things at once, or do you prefer to focus on one thing at a time with single-minded attention?

I’m a multi-tasker                                                                                                                                                                                                                One thing at a time, please

                          1                                                2                                                3                                                4                                                5                                                 6

Take a magazine or newspaper containing several stories or articles and assign each story to a different reader to read aloud at the same time. Reserve one person to focus on a specific story and drown out the other voices that are in the background. How much do you think they will be able to recall from the story? How did the listener manage to focus? You try it.

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Read Mark 9:2-8:

The Transfiguration

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

Download Mark  9:2-8

As you read, the Old Testament atmosphere is unmistakable: walking up a mountain, encountering supernatural events—lights, sounds, smoke, or clouds—all culminating in an overwhelming sense of awe. Why did this happen? What message was being conveyed? Was it primarily for the disciples or for Jesus? The word "Transfiguration" reflects a profound change—something hidden revealed outwardly. Here, Jesus’ divine glory, already within him, was unveiled to a select few.

Moses and Elijah’s presence carries deep meaning: Moses died and was resurrected, and Elijah never died but was taken to heaven. Their appearance brought awe to the disciples, even though they were walking with the Son of God Himself. This moment emphasizes that while Moses and Elijah are significant, Jesus alone is the true focus. Hebrews 1:1-3, Acts 4:12, and 1 Timothy 2:5 underline Jesus’ central role.

Finally, the Voice declares, "This is My Son, whom I love; listen to Him!" This command highlights Jesus’ authority and mission as the ultimate revelation of God’s will, shifting all focus to Him.