FOLLOW Follow the Glory of Christ - Week 11 ‘Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He did.’ – John Mark Comer Focus In chapter 8 of Mark we reach a pivotal point, in which Peter declares that he knows Jesus to be the Messiah. Yet, as Jesus shares that this would mean his rejection, suffering, death and resurrection, the disciples just couldn’t understand it; even after seeing a glimpse of his glory at the transfiguration soon after. As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem, the disciples' preconceived ideas continue to be challenged, and their hopes of a conquering messiah would be replaced with the paradox of a king who would overcome by dying. Most amazingly, after even the disciples would flee and abandon Jesus, Mark records that it was in fact a Roman soldier who first realises that, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39) Jesus shows what it means to be a kingdom leader, as he became a humble servant, willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves. And He has won the victory, for “He is risen from the dead!” (Mark 16:6) Study by: 2025 Hope Valley Church Intern Team *Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (See the Relational Map Video) Pray In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene This passage recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus, where He is revealed in radiant glory on a mountain before Peter, James, and John. Appearing with Moses and Elijah, Jesus is affirmed by a voice from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (v. 7) The moment reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) and affirms His divine authority and identity as God’s Son. Though veiled in humility, Jesus is the source of true glory. His coming suffering (v. 12) does not diminish His authority—it fulfills God's redemptive plan. Read: Mark 9:2–13 Read the passage together in the NIV plus one other translation of your choice. Discussion Questions: How would you retell this story in your own words? What are the main events? What does this passage show us about who Jesus is and how God sees Him? Why do you think Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus? What could they represent? How does Peter respond to what he sees? How might we respond similarly to encountering God's glory? What do verses 9–13 teach us about Jesus’ mission and how it involves both glory and suffering? 3. Look Forward Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes How might seeing Jesus in His glory shape your view of Him today—especially in times of confusion or difficulty? In what area of your life is God inviting you to “listen to Jesus” more intentionally this week? Who is someone in your life that needs to hear about the true identity and authority of Jesus—and how could you begin sharing that with them? Pray Pray for each other that we would all listen and respond in obedience to Jesus' voice. Pray for those in our community walking through uncertainty, that they would trust the God who is both glorious and present in our suffering. Pray for those on your Relational Map. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au