We now come to the amazing account of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain. This dramatic event marks a major turning point in the gospel narratives, for Jesus was beginning to turn more and more to Jerusalem and the suffering and death that awaited Him there. But before all of that would take place, there was this glimpse of glory. And we read in the New Testament that it was because of the glory that was set before Him He was able to endure the cross. The revelation of Christ’s glory in this chapter was a clear confirmation to the disciples of the truth of Peter’s confession of faith (16:16); but it was also a great encouragement for Christ Himself as He faced the agony that would occur on another hill called Golgotha.

Reading the Text

After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. He said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up they saw no one except Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

¹⁰ The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” ¹¹ Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. ¹² But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist.

The Structure of the Passage

We may divide the passage into three major parts for our analysis. First, we have the record of the event of the transfiguration (verses 1-3). Second, we have Peter’s suggestion and the divine response to it (verses 4-8). And third, we have the instruction by Jesus and the question by the disciples (verses 9-13).

The event certainly is the basis and key to the entire passage. It simply reports what happened, without going into as much detail as the other narratives. But in the other two sections we have the all-important dialog. In the second part we have Peter’s suggestion, followed by the voice from heaven; this revelation struck terror in the disciples, but that fear was relieved by the Jesus’ words of comfort. So there are three “speeches” in the second part to be considered. Then, the third section, which is the aftermath of the event, also has three “speeches,” an instruction, followed by a question, followed by an answer. What is interesting is that in the event Jesus does not explain the transfiguration at all. The voice from heaven explains who Jesus is, but not why Moses or Elijah are there on the mountain. We are left with a number of questions, as indeed the disciples must have been as well.

Parallel Passages

The account of the transfiguration occurs in the other gospels as well. Mark (9:2-12) tells us that His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Mark also tells us that Peter did not know what he was saying, for he was frightened. Mark does not record all that the voice from heaven said, leaving out “in whom I am well-pleased.” And Mark tells us that the disciples kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. And in Jesus’ answer about Elijah we see that there was more conversation than what Matthew recorded. Jesus also at that time reasoned, “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” Jesus was explaining why the kingdom had not been established if Elijah had already come.

Luke has some different things (9:28-36). Whereas the other gospels say it took place after six days, Luke says “about eight days.” Luke tells us that they went up on the mountain to pray. And as He was praying He was transfigured: His face changed and His clothes became as white as the lightning. Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah also were in glorious splendor; they spoke to Jesus about His departure (literally, His “exodus”) that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Luke records the same words from heaven that Mark had. But Luke does not include the discussion about Elijah.

All three of the so-called synoptic gospels have essentially the same thing; but they each chose to tell the account in their own way according to their purpose. Our focus will be on what Matthew actually says; but we will interpret it in line with all the reports of what happened.

The Setting

It may be a small point, but it is worth noting that there are two traditions about the location of the Mount of Transfiguration. The Roman Catholic tradition identifies it as Mount Tabor, south of the region of Galilee, on the northern edge of the Jezreel Valley. As one would expect, there are chapels and churches on the top of the mount to commemorate the spot. The other view, and probably more likely one, is that Mount Hermon is the site of the transfiguration.¹ It is in the far north, located north of where Caesarea Philippi is situated. It would make sense for the transfiguration to take place in that region where Jesus had been ministering and where Peter made his confession. Of course, there is a week’s time for them to get almost anywhere. But the critical point is that they went up to the place away from all the people. Mount Tabor is not a very large mountain, and it was inhabited at the time.

If you have time you can also study the mentality of using mountain tops for spiritual experiences and for shrines. This was common throughout the ancient world. And since the instinct of coming up out of the world was a good one, God also used it to reveal himself (study Mount Sinai, the sermon on the mount, the mount of the transfiguration, and of course, Mount Zion).

The setting in the gospel is also important. After a time of popularity in the northern regions the tide turned against Jesus. The leaders were busy trying to discredit Him, and the people started going away. This prompted Jesus to ask what people said about Him, and what the disciples said. Now, as He begins to turn towards Jerusalem and His death, He is transfigured before three disciples on the top of the mountain. This should have encouraged the disciples that no matter what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus was the Lord of Glory. Looking back they realized this; but at the time they may not have thought it through. But as far as the arrangement of the gospel goes, it is downhill from here to the valley of shame and humiliation.

Old Testament Background

Even though this could be dealt with in passing in the text, it may be helpful to deal with it now. Peter wanted to make three “tabernacles” or “shelters” or “booths.” He was thinking of the Feast of Tabernacles. But what prompted him to think of that. The accounts tell us he was afraid, and did not know what he was saying. I take that to mean that his timing was wrong for the suggestion, for this was not the time. The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated every year by the Jews; it commemorated the wilderness wandering or temporary sojourn of the people until they settled in the land. The people therefore would build the little shelters and live under them for the week, only to come out of them at the end, at the great day of the feast (with much relief we might add). The seven day festival not only commemorated the temporary sojourn of the people in the wilderness, but in this age, for the final great day was a celebration of the settlement in the land, and (in the future) the culmination of the promises. That is why it came at the end of the calendar year.

Peter had heard Jesus say about a week earlier that some who were standing there would not taste death before they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matt. 16:28). Now, on the mountain, Peter saw Christ in all His glory. His instinct may have been to think that this was it, the start of the kingdom. And so in all his eagerness he wanted to make the shelters for the great celebration. We do not know how well Peter knew the prophetic literature of the Bible, but Zechariah makes it clear that in the kingdom the people will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, i.e., the culmination of all the promises. Peter had the right idea, in general, but the wrong time, for Christ had to die first.

It is interesting that Matthew says this took place after six days, and Luke says about the eighth day. Edersheim² wonders if Peter’s great confession might not have been made on a Sabbath day, and then after six days, the night of the next sabbath, or the morning of the first day of the week, the eighth day, the Lord appears in His glory. If this is correct, and it is the only meaning for the days that makes sense, then the symbolism of a Sunday transfiguration and a Sunday resurrection is significant.

Analysis of the Text

The Transfiguration (17:1-3). The central point of the first three verses focuses on one word—and indeed, this word is the center of the whole passage. “Transfigured.” The Greek term is well-known in English; from metamorphoo (pronounced meta-mor-phaw-o) we get our word “metamorphasis.” The word describes the complete change of the form and substance. For example, we use it to describe the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Here then we have a complete change in the appearance or form of Jesus in the presence of the disciples. He now was brighter than the light, revealing His true glory to them.

What is interesting to note in this word study is that we have here the reverse of the theme of Philippians 2, the kenosis. There Paul says that Christ Jesus took on the form of a servant. Here, however, the Servant takes on the form of deity, revealing His glory.

The same word is used by Paul in Romans 12:1,2, in which he instructs believers to be “transformed” by the renewing of their minds. There is to be a genuine change in the life of the believer. Of course the New Testament also teaches that we shall be changed when we enter the presence of the Lord, we shall be glorified.

In the transfiguration Moses and Elijah appear and talk with the Lord. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah the Prophets; Moses represents those who have died in the Lord, and Elijah those who have not. Moses wrote the Law which anticipated the sacrificial atonement of the Messiah; Elijah was to come to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord. Moses went up Mount Sinai and because he was with the Lord of Glory there, his face shone when he came back down; Elijah did not die, but was taken up to glory in the whirlwind and the chariot of fire. Here the two of them speak to Christ, and the parallel accounts tell us they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” (Greek exodus). They spoke of His coming death; but by the term the Bible uses we know they spoke of it as the fulfillment of the great deliverance in Egypt. Jesus’ death would be the exodus from the bondage of sin in the world.

The vision was then clear: Christ was revealed in His glory, and He was joined by Moses and Elijah to indicate that He was about to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and that death cannot destroy the glory that will follow. Moses and Elijah were and are alive, and are glorified. Jesus may face death in the days to come, but death in God’s service is the way to glory.

The Response of Peter (17:4-8). Matthew does not tell us why Peter said what he said, or comment on the suitability of the comment. He simply reports the suggestion of Peter to make shelters, to celebrate the apparent fulfillment of the promises. Peter is in no way irreverent or self-willed. We must note in his words, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! If you wish . . . .” Peter loved the Lord, and was willing to do anything for Him, if He wished.

The second “speech” in this part of the passage is a word from heaven. It is not so much a response to Peter as it is a revelation that dominates everything that was happening and in a way completely overshadows whatever Peter thought or said. It was one thing to see Jesus transfigured, with His clothing and His appearance brighter than the sun—that was frightening to the disciples, as the other gospels tell us. But it was quite another thing to hear a voice from heaven confirming that Jesus was the Son of God. Peter had just made that confession; but now Peter heard it in a new light, as it were. The Christ, the Messiah (in Hebrew), was not merely a son of David and therefore designated “son of God”; He was God’s Son in a unique way. God (the Father, we know) declared, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”

The word from heaven made three clear points: Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is loved by the Father and pleasing to the Father; and Jesus must be obeyed. All of these ideas were being challenged by the religious leaders of the day, and questioned by the people. The disciples, however, knew Jesus was God’s Son (in some way), that He was doing the will of the Father, and that He was to be obeyed. Now, this direct revelation confirmed their faith—and it surely encouraged Jesus as well as opposition had begun to mount and would increase.

The experience on this mountain reflects the experience of Israel on Mount Sinai. There in Exodus (19-24) the glory of the LORD hovered on the top of the mountain as Moses received the Law. And because of the presence of the LORD, Moses face began to reflect the glory of the LORD. But to ensure that this was indeed the Law of God that was to be obeyed, God spoke. The Bible says that the people heard the sound of His voice; they did not see the LORD, but they heard the words (Deut. 4). That vision, and that sound, confirmed to them that the Law was from the LORD God and was to be obeyed.

The disciples, we read in Matthew 17, were terrified at this voice and fell on their faces. But the Lord Jesus came to them and comforted them. So the third “speech” in this section is the simple word from Him: “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” And when the disciples looked, they saw no one but Jesus. The revelation was not given to strike fear in the disciples, although all revelation should bring the response of fear and obedience because of the fact that the sovereign Lord of glory has made Himself known to us and has called us to obey. But the revelation was given to the disciples to convince and to encourage and to strengthen them in their faith and obedience. And because of this Jesus “touched them.” The touch was not simply proof that He was real, but that they were His friends and accepted by Him. It was a reassuring touch, followed by the words, “Do not be afraid.”

The point is that God’s revelation to His people is a demonstration of His love and His grace for them. Of course we are overwhelmed by it, by the thought of it. But at every turn the revelation of God confirms to us that Jesus is our Lord, that our faith is not in vain, that we need not live in fear, but that we should live by faith in Him. And a revelation of this kind provides us with another word from God about the hope of glory that lies ahead of us, no matter what we have to endure here on earth. Only in Christ is there any hope of passing beyond the grave to glory.

The Question about Elijah (17:9-13). There is much more that could be said about the transfiguration and the revelation from heaven, but in this brief guide to Bible study we will have to move on. The final part of Matthew’s account has the question about Elijah (the other gospels do not). It could be treated as a separate narrative (since there is enough to deal with above), but since it is raised because of the appearance of Elijah, then it should probably be included in the discussion.

On the way down the mountain Jesus cautioned the disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man was raised from the dead. The other accounts tells us that the disciples were not sure of what He meant by “raised from the dead,” even though prior to the transfiguration He had predicted His death (16:21), and Peter had protested the death (16:22). The revelation of the transfiguration would be a prophetic revelation of the glory of Christ, and the resurrection from the dead would confirm what the transfiguration declared. If news of the transfiguration spread prematurely, it would be misunderstood, and perhaps the many followers of Jesus would try to enthrone Him before He went up to Jerusalem to die for their sins.

The disciples then want to know why the teachers say that Elijah was first to come. They had seen Christ in His glory; they had seen Moses and Elijah; but they were not to say anything about it until Jesus died and rose again. Jesus’ answer was that “Elijah comes and will restore all things.” That is the future; that is the “not yet” of the Elijah prophesy of Malachi. But then Jesus added what we call the “already,” by saying, “But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize Him.” He was speaking of John the Baptist, of course. The teaching about John in no way teaches re-incarnation. The Lord simply is saying that John came as the fulfillment of the prophecy that “Elijah” should first come. But it was not yet time for the fulfillment of all things, and John did not turn the nation around, because He was captured and put to death. The point is that Jesus will also be seized and put to death. Jesus was telling the disciples that before the crown there was the cross. And both John and Jesus had to suffer at the hands of wicked people.

There is no need to get into all the details of the Elijah prophecy again here. Review what was said in the Bible Study of Matthew 11. Here Jesus’ words state that John came in fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy, but Elijah comes and restores all things. There is yet more to be fulfilled at the time of the second coming when everything will be made right, and when Jesus will appear in glory (see the vision of John in Rev. 1).

Conclusion and Application

John wrote in the prologue to his gospel, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the only begotten Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14). Among other things, John must have had this event in mind. Here the three disciples saw the glory of the Lord Jesus, so that they knew He was the divine Son who came into the world. They were still unclear about His death and resurrection, but afterward they would understand more fully the reason for this revelation on the mountain. Matthew tells this event to make the identity of Jesus Christ perfectly clear, because the rest of the gospel will focus on rising opposition, suffering and death. But the transfiguration revealed that He is the Lord of Glory, that everything He did pleased the Father, and that He is the one to be obeyed. The glorious appearance and the voice from heaven left no doubt in the minds of the disciples.

Several areas of application come to mind. First, the transfiguration itself instructs us as well as to the true nature of Jesus. But it also gives us a glimpse of what is yet to be, not only of His appearance in heaven, but our glorification as well. That is why Paul’s instruction in Romans to be transformed is so important: we are to begin the changes now in our spiritual life, and God will complete it in our actual translation to glory.

Second, revelation demands a response. The natural instinct is fear and worship, falling on our faces before Him. But the practical continuation of our response comes at the divine instruction to listen to, i.e., obey, Jesus. If Jesus truly is the Lord of Glory and not just a man from Galilee, then we must worship Him and obey Him.

Third, God’s revelation is given to us because God loves us and desires that we be with Him in glory. The touch of the hand of Jesus was probably most re-assuring of this in the event. Of course, people who reject the Savior and refuse to obey His word have much to fear. But we who worship Him and serve Him have His word, “Do not be afraid.” And later, “Where I am, there you shall be also” (John 14).

As for the steps in the method of Bible Study, we can see here how the event is central, and all the discussions that follow help to explain its significance. It shows us that the dialogue, the speeches of the story, are so essential to the interpretation. But in the study of the passage we also see the importance of the word study for “transfigure,” and how it connects us to other passages. And finally, we also note how the Old Testament background (tabernacles, and Elijah) are important to understanding all that is taking place in the narrative.

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¹ The Gospel of Mark mentions indicates that there may have been snow on the mountain, and that would fit Hermon. But this comment may be a later addition to the manuscript, and so has not been included in many modern versions. Snow may be found on the higher elevations of Hermon, and even in some of the lower slopes, late in the year. Jesus probably did not go to the top.

² One of the most helpful books to have on the gospels is Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. It is old, and conservative, and so open to a lot of modern attacks. But the more it is studied the more it makes sense. His style and insights are a delightful read.

Many churches offer Bible studies for women. All you have to do is sign up. But, a lot of churches do not offer Bible studies for women because the churches are too small or have no one to lead the way.

What if you really want to do a Bible study and would rather do it in community with other women rather than by yourself? Maybe you have been thinking about starting a Bible study and inviting others to join you, but that thought terrifies you. Now may be the time to step out in faith and just do it. In this article, I will take you through the step-by-step process for launching a Bible Study group.

Know that you can start a Bible Study…by faith

Faith is the essential component of the Christian life. Followers of Jesus Christ are to live every day by faith. That is what Paul is communicating to us in Galatians.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

The life you and I live every day is by faith in the Son of God—Jesus Himself. Christ not only lives in you, He is living through you.

Jesus Christ gave His life for you, so that He could give His life to you, so that He could live His life through you. (Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ)

If you are being prompted by the Lord to start a Bible study, just say yes – “I will do this, Lord. Please help me.” Jesus is with you every step of the way and in every situation. That includes:

• in your church, neighborhood, community, or workplace.
• at any age or stage of life. Someone around you needs to know Jesus or to know Him better through studying the Bible.
• with any size group—large or small.
• whether you have been studying the Bible for 2 years or doing it for decades. Share what you know and what you are learning.

You can start and lead a Bible study not because you are so great or smart or have been a Christian a long time or know the Bible really well. You can do this because Jesus is the one who enables you to do it. Say "yes" and jump in with both feet.

Desire the benefits of starting and leading a Bible Study

Starting and leading a Bible study can be one of the greatest adventures you’ve ever tried. And it’s good for you.

• Leading a Bible study presses you to grow and learn for yourself. You always learn more when you prepare to help someone else grow in their faith.
• Leading a Bible Study also teaches you how to depend on Jesus Christ more. And, whatever leads you to depend on Him is a good thing for you. We are to live by faith in Him and let Him live His life through us.

So, give your insecurities to Jesus. He is the one who makes you able to do everything in the Christian life, and that includes starting a Bible study. You are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit to work through you. Being scared is a good thing; you will rely on Him more. It is okay to say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own, but you can in me and through me. I will trust you with this.” Step out in faith.

Getting started

So, you are willing to start a Bible study group but don’t know how to begin? I suggest you do these:

1. Pray. Ask Jesus to help you discern what you should study and to show you whom to ask to join you.

2. Choose a Bible Study that interests you. Your passion about the study will be infectious to your group. And, it will be easier to get others interested.

• Will your group be mostly those new to the Bible? Choose a Bible study that is designed for those new to the Bible. You want lessons that are short, simple and easy-to-understand for beginners.
• Will your group be mostly those with Bible Study experience? Choose a study designed for growing Christians who already have some experience studying the Bible. You can tell this by the length of the lessons and whether the questions assume you have a working knowledge of the Bible.
• What do you think will be your available group time? Pick a shorter study if you are only meeting for an hour or less.

3. Consider women who might be interested in joining you for that study.

• Perhaps you could just put an announcement in your church news and see who wants to join you. I’ve done that a few times.
• Do you have a few neighbors you could ask? This is a great way to build community.
• Maybe you have some mommy friends who need to have some adult discussion. I know a group of women who get together for Bible study right after they drop their children off at school in the morning.
• Consider inviting some co-workers to join you during your lunch break.
• Maybe you could just post it on Facebook and see who responds. One woman told me how she did that and found 50 women in her remote area who wanted to do a Bible study with her through a Facebook Group, occasionally meeting together at a local coffee shop.

If you already have a group of friends, neighbors, or co-workers who want to join you for a Bible study, that’s great.

4. Choose a time to meet.

• Morning, lunch, afternoon, evening? It can be at any time that works for your group. Early in the morning before school or work? Over the lunch hour for co-workers? In the evening? Or anywhere in between. Whatever works for you and for those you invite. Go for it.
• 1 hour, 1½ hours, 2 hours? That depends on you and your group.
• Every week, every other week? I know of several groups of friends who meet only twice a month for Bible study. It does help to not go too long between meetings, though, because you really do lose consistency in thought if too much time passes. For consistency, it is best to meet at least twice a month.

5. Choose a place to meet.

• The possibilities are endless. I have met with a group of ladies at a coffee shop on summer evenings while sitting outside under the awning. Another group met in the café area of the local grocery store over the lunch hour, drawing in women who work from home in our area. Restaurants can be noisy, making it hard to hear one another. But, some have side rooms you can reserve. Homes are always good. Meeting at a room in your church might be the most convenient place, especially if you like to know you will always have a place to meet away from crowds.
• You can try different days/times/places until you find something that works well for your group. Remember that you want everyone to be able to hear and see each other.

6. Set a start date, notify those you are inviting, and give them access to get the study materials.

• Option 1: Download the study and print it for all the group members.
• Option 2: Order books for all the group members to have on hand the first time you meet.
• Option 3: Give the link for each member to order her own book.

Step out in faith…just do it!

Ask Jesus to help you with all of the above steps to starting a Bible study group. Depend on Him to show you what to do. He is faithful! And, see what He does as you trust Him with this decision. Go ahead, begin the adventure…

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Check out these other resources:

• Doing a Lunchtime Bible Study at Work
• Three Reasons Why You Can Lead a Bible Study
• How to Choose a Bible Study for a Group  
• Women’s Bible Study Curriculum

Jesus Christ calls us to a new life, clothes us with Himself, commissions us with a purpose, and empowers us to fulfill that purpose. What is that purpose? It is to follow Him as His disciples and to live for Him as disciplemakers (making disciples who make disciples). That means we are not only to share our faith and lead others to trust in Christ, but we are also to establish them so they will get rooted in their Christian faith.

“Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

The goal of establishing a new or young believer is to help her get rooted in the basics of the faith and connected with the community of believers to continue learning. Your willingness to help new believers around you get rooted in their faith flows out of your love for God and love for His people.

When Jesus places a new Christian in your life, what are your options? You can invite her to church, class, or small group and assume she’ll “catch on” to what she needs to know. But, is that the best way? Yes, you want her to join a community of believers, but she needs you right there beside her, personally discipling her in the basics of what it means to be a Christian. That is the best way.

We can no longer assume that women have been taught any truth about Jesus, the Bible, the Church, or the Christian life. Think of your new Christian friend like she is a newborn baby. They need spiritual milk.

“And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, if you have experienced the Lord’s kindness.” (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Just as a newborn baby needs to know the love and trustworthiness of her parents, the new Christian needs to know and experience the love and trustworthiness of her God. Start with the basics of the Christian faith, laying a good foundation of truth for her to grasp and apply to her life.

What Believers Need to Know

Here are nine components to a good foundation for every believer—new or long-term—to be “rooted and built up in Him and firm in your faith.”              

1. Who Christ is, what He’s done for us on the cross, and what His resurrection means for us

All Christians need to know this information. Christianity is not a lifestyle or rules of conduct. Nor is it a society whose members were initiated by the sprinkling or covering of water. It is about Christ and our relationship with Him. What she needs first and foremost is to get to know Him well and be secure in her relationship with Him.

She also needs to know what Christ did for her on the cross in His death and what His resurrection gives to her. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and justification are benefits we receive from the cross and are huge relationship changers when it comes to our relationship with God. The new life she gets because of Jesus’ resurrection begins the moment she trusts in Christ and continues forever. She needs that assurance.

2. How to read and study a Bible

Make sure she has a Bible (print or online) in a good translation she can understand. Show her how to find Bible books in the table of contents. Explain to her how books are divided up into chapters and verses. Those are the three parts of any Bible verse reference. Walk through the gospel of Mark with her. Show her how to read the passage and let the Holy Spirit show her something from it. I usually ask the question, “What jumped out at you?” That’s the milk for the day God wants to feed her.

3. Who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives

The Holy Spirit is God’s empowering presence in her life. Make sure she understands that He is a person living inside of her who is actively involved in her life. He is the one helping her to understand the Bible passages she is reading. He is the one representing Jesus to her and leading her to trust Him. The Spirit is the one who produces fruit in her life and helps her to sense God’s presence with her. He is there whether she “feels” it or not.

4. Living by the Spirit’s power rather than living by the flesh

Faith is how she received Christ and His Holy Spirit giving her new life. Faith is how she turns her life over to Jesus and trusts Him on a daily basis. Christianity is not a set of rules to follow on her own. She needs to know and understand God’s grace toward her and what it means to live in the freedom of that grace. The Christian life is a life of becoming more dependent on God and less independent of Him. It’s a different way of approaching life. 

5. What prayer is — knowing God the Father’s love

Even if she didn’t have a good earthly father, she can by faith believe that she has a good Heavenly Father who loves her dearly and delights in her relying upon Him through prayer. Jesus taught His followers to think of God as their Heavenly Father.

Prayer is communicating with her Heavenly Father and hearing back from Him. It is conversation with Someone who loves her dearly. What a privilege for the believer…to go directly into God’s presence and talk with Him about whatever is on her heart. He desires to hear from her, and He promises to listen.

6. Her identity in Christ

The moment she believed, the old self that was born in Adam died; a new self with the same body but a new interior started life as a new person with a new nature “in Christ.” That new identity contains many unconditional benefits that she got all at once the moment she trusted in Christ. These benefits make possible an unending relationship with God as her Father. One of the fundamental questions of the human race is that of identity, “Who am I?” The one secure, eternal answer is that through faith in Jesus Christ she can say, “I am in Christ, a child of God, one of God’s saints, completely loved and accepted by God”—an identity that no circumstance can change.

7. Obedience flowing from love and gratitude rather than obligation

The entire Christian life is to be lived by faith, not works. Other religions force their followers to adhere to a list of rules to stay acceptable. Christians should want to obey God out of love and gratitude for how much God loves us and for Jesus paying the ultimate price for our sins. Yet, we cannot live an obedient Christian life in our own strength. We must live by faith in Christ every day. By faith, we trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey what God wants for our lives. By faith, we learn to obey Christ and experience a life of freedom and joy.

8. Being part of the Body of Christ and enjoying its community

What a privilege it is to enjoy fellowship with God through prayer and fellowship with other believers in God’s awesome family on earth—the Church (usually written with a capital “C” to distinguish from local individual churches). While she is part of the universal Church, God wants her to be part of a local church family. It is like having relatives all over the world but living with your immediate family. A local church is a group of believers committed to worshiping Christ, teaching His Word, supporting each other as we follow Jesus together and proclaim the good news to others. She can enjoy relationships and spiritual growth within this church community.

9. Telling others about Jesus

As a follower of Jesus Christ, she now has the awesome privilege of sharing the good news of eternal life with others. There is tremendous joy in reaching out to those who do not know Jesus and introducing them to Him so they can know Him just as she now knows Him. This includes letting others see how Christ is living His life through you. And, it also includes telling the good news of the gospel. If she has opportunity to tell someone one thing, she can tell them what she knows about Jesus. That’s enough to plant the seed.

Where to Find New Christians Who Need to Be Discipled

Where are the new believers besides anyone you bring to Christ yourself? Most likely, they are where you are presently connected such as at Bible studies, in mothers’ groups, your workplace, where you live, and in your church.

Like Priscilla and Aquila did in Acts 18:24-26, pay attention as people talk in your group. Listen well to what that woman sitting near you is saying. Don’t assume she knows her identity in Christ. She may not be a believer yet. She may be a new believer. She may be a long-time believer who has never done Bible Study before and feels ignorant compared to others.

Then, come alongside her. For someone new to Bible study, church, or who doesn’t know much, invite her somewhere to talk. Find out what she already knows and what she wants to know. Ask if she’s interested in meeting with you to get more established in her faith. If she is, agree on a time to get together. Get a book for each of you designed for discipling a new Christian. The Graceful Beginnings: New Believers Guide is easily available on Bible.org for you to use. You can also access this guide as an E-book (called A Fresh Start) online.

Maybe you already have something that someone used to disciple you when you were a new Christian. Or, your church might have discipling materials on hand. Just make sure you walk through the 9 necessary elements of a good foundation mentioned above.

Discipling another person makes you rely on Jesus more

Feeling a bit scared or hesitant about discipling a new Christian? Jump right in and do it. Whatever leads you to trust in Jesus more is good for you. If you haven’t been rooted with this basic information, your discipling experience will be a huge growing experience for you as well.

So, give your insecurities to Jesus. He is the one who makes you able to do everything in the Christian life, and that includes discipling a new Christian. You are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit to work through you. Being scared is a good thing; you will rely on Him more. It is okay to say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own, but you can in me and through me. I will trust you with this.” Step out in faith.

— — — — —

Check out these other resources:

• Helping Bible Study Newbies
• Proper Feeding of Newborns
• Graceful Beginnings: New Believers Guide

“Word of the Cross” series of blogs:

1. Propitiation
2. Reconciliation
3. Redemption
4. Forgiveness
5. Justification
6. Sanctification

Why does the incident of the Samaritan woman at the well only appear in the Gospel of John? (John 4:1-42) Do you have articles on Bible.org which deals with this question?

Thanks.

Answer

Dear *****,

Thanks for your questions. There are many articles on Bible.org which deal with John chapter 4:

https://bible.org/byverse/John%204:1-42

I’m not certain that you will find the answer to your question there, however, as it is really a more general one, in my opinion. So let me try to address it.

First, let’s take a look at what John says at the end of this gospel:

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 (NASB)

24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written. John 21:24-25 (NASB)

Notice as well how Luke introduces his gospel:

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 (NASB)

The Bible claims that the Holy Spirit directed each writer in the Bible, so that the outcome was the Word of God, accurate, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts:

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:16-21 (NASB)

15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NASB)

There would be no need to have four gospels if each one merely repeated what was said by the others. And so we have four accounts, each of which has a different writer, a somewhat different audience (Jew, or Gentile), and a particular emphasis which each author is seeking to create.

There are certain events which every one of the four Gospels includes, such as the arrest, trial(s), crucifixion, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The feeding of the 5,000 is also found in every gospel. But there are other events, such as the transfiguration of our Lord, which are found in some, but not all, of the gospels. Some events are found in only one gospel: the indication that it was Peter who struck the ear of the high priest’s slave and cut it off (John 18:10); the bare naked escape of the young man at Jesus’ arrest (Mark? in Mark 14:51-52). While Mark calls our attention to the Syrophoenician woman in his gospel (Mark 7:24-30) it is Matthew who tells us she is a Canaanite (Matthew 14:22).

Each author has a huge amount of data to draw upon to include in his book, but restricts himself to that information which best contributes to the argument he is seeking to present. The inclusion of the Samaritan woman at the well adds a great deal to John’s account. In chapter 3, Jesus presents the gospel to Nicodemus, a highly respected Jewish teacher (John 3:10). Now, in chapter 4 Jesus finds it necessary to pass through Samaritan territory, and even more shocking to speak to a woman whose character is far from godly (see John 4:16-18, 27). What a beautiful preview of the salvation which our Lord is going to bring to the Gentiles, as well as the Jews.

Why is this story only in John? Because it was essential to John’s message, but not to the message of the other gospel writers. And remember, there were many, many stories which none of the gospel writers chose to include in their gospels.

I hope this helps,

Bob Deffinbaugh