TRANSFIGURATION.
Mark 9:2-9.
“After six days” Peter, James, and John were drawn aside “into a high mountain apart” (Mark 9:2). Like Moses, who drew aside to behold the bush that burned but which was not consumed (cf. Exodus 3:3), we sometimes need to step aside from the busyness of life for more intimate communion with God.
The three disciples were privileged to receive a sample, a foretaste of the glory to come as witnesses to the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:3). Here we have a demonstration, a living illustration, of the kingdom of God coming with power. In this, too, we have a hopeful anticipation: ‘when Christ shall appear, His people shall appear with Him in glory’ (cf. Colossians 3:4).
Moses’ face had shone at Sinai, but Jesus’ whole Person was set aglow with the glory of the LORD in the mountain of Transfiguration. Truly God was here, setting His tabernacle among men. John testified: ‘We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father’ (John 1:14).
Other manifestations of the glory of the kingdom of God would include the Cross and resurrection of Jesus (Mark 8:31), the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost; and will include the ultimate return of Jesus.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus in the mountain (Mark 9:4) is indicative of the continuance of life beyond this earthly realm. It represents anew the fulfilment of the law and the prophets in the Person of our Lord (cf. Matthew 5:17). It is not until Luke 9:31 that we are told what they were talking about.
Impetuous as ever, Peter wanted to build three temples on the Mount of Transfiguration: one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. The disciples were so awestruck that he did not really know what he was saying. Just in that moment a cloud covered the little group on the mountain, and out of the cloud a voice spoke: “This is my beloved Son, hear Him” (Mark 9:5-7).
When the cloud of God’s presence lifted from the scene, the three disciples - Peter, James, and John - could no longer see Moses and Elijah, but “Jesus only” with themselves (Mark 9:8). The Lord is turning our attention away from the law and the prophets - represented by Moses and Elijah - and is instructing us to listen to Jesus. One greater than the law and the prophets, greater than Elijah - and greater even than Moses himself - is here!
As they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed the three disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen “till the Son of man was risen from the dead” (Mark 9:9).
