Articles
He was Transfigured - Mark 9
He was Transfigured - Mark 9
A simple statement about Jesus is made: He was transfigured (Mark 9:2). His clothes become brilliantly white (Mark), His face 'shone like the sun' (Matt.), the very appearance of his countenance was changed (Luke).
They had been 'heavy with sleep' (Luke) and 'woke up' to see Moses and Elijah with Jesus. We are not told how they knew it was Moses and Elijah – something I have always wondered about. What a meeting: the giver of the law, the beginning of the prophets, and the Messiah. Luke records that they were speaking of "Jesus' departure". All of this was too much for Peter. Always ready to talk but not always having anything to say, he blurts out: "Let us make three 'tabernacles', one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for you'.
At that moment, they are immersed into a bright cloud and the voice of God speaks: "This is my beloved son. Listen to HIM." Listen – don't tell Him what 'we need to do'. He is the teacher – you are the disciple. He is the head – you are of the body. He is the Lord – you are his servant. He is the Son of God – majesty, honor, and glory belong to Him.
The disciples never forgot this event. Many years later, when Peter was facing his own death, he wrote his last known letter and said: "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (2Pet. 1:16-17). Peter speaks of Jesus: 'our Savior Jesus Christ' (1:1); 'our Lord' (1:2); 'his Divine power' (1:3), 'his glory and excellence' (1:3); 'our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ' (1:11); 'our Lord Jesus Christ' (1:15).
Jesus, the son of God, is greater than the prophets (Heb. 1) and greater even than Moses (Heb. 3). Today God speaks to US through His son (Heb. 1:1-2). People still need to learn to listen to Him. People, like Peter so many years ago, want to begin telling the Lord what it is we need to do. Great plans and movements are thought up to honor Jesus but they in fact dishonor Him by usurping the right to direct people on what to do.
We need to see Jesus 'as Peter did': his majesty, honor and glory. He is God's son – listen to Him.
Hugh DeLong
