The Gospel of Mark: The Transfiguration

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. ~ Mark 9:2-8


At Jesus' baptism the Word of God came down to Jesus and said, "You are my son, the beloved." From that moment on, Jesus' life was changed. His identity was assured.

But also from that moment on until now, however, Jesus has kept that information close to the vest. When people figure out his importance, he asks them to keep secret.

Now, however, that same Word of God comes to Peter, John, and James and tells them the same thing: tells them Jesus' identity. 

With a further charge to listen to him.

The transfiguration is an imposing scene and happens right after Peter has himself named who Jesus is. Until now, however, he hasn't always seemed to live into that knowledge.

Here though is confirmation of all that he has begun to see. The scales are beginning to fall off of his eyes.

Did it need to take such a dramatic event to convince him? Shouldn't he have been convinced already with all he has seen and heard?

Will he from this moment forward obey the command to listen?

What is does it take for us to be convinced and to listen?

Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Question:


Answer the last questions for yourself.

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