Read: Mark 9:1-10 NLT – Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the – Bible Gateway:
“Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power! Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.” Mark 9:1-3 NLT
This week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights Jesus gives three disciples, His inner circle, a glimpse of His glory and the future kingdom of God. Last week we focused on the discussion Jesus had with His disciples on who did people say He was. The disciples answered Him which Jesus in turn immediately asked them, ‘who do you say I am?’ They confirmed their answer through Peter that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, even though they still didn’t totally understand.
We ended last week with Jesus calling the crowd to Himself telling them, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk.8:34, 38 nlt) Jesus explained if you hang on to this life with its sin you will lose it, but if you give up your life for His sake you will save it. The fate of those who deny Jesus is noted as Jesus announces His return to earth in the glory of His Father. This is where we begin today.
This passage of Scripture is well-known as the Transfiguration. It is a revelation of Jesus’ deity. The story is also found in Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels. The first verse in our text today, some scholars believe belongs at the end of chapter 8. This may be correct. We are wise to remember the Bible was not written with chapter divisions, but they were added later for clarity and organization of thought. Sad, but, true, they always didn’t get it right. Jesus’ words about His return in His glory in the last verse of chapter 8 flows right in thought with the first verse of chapter 9. “Jesus went on to say, ‘I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!’” (Mk.9:1 nlt) Jesus will return in glory and set up His divine kingdom. The Transfiguration fulfills these words in verse 1.
Jesus takes three disciples with Him up to a high mountain, most likely Mt. Hermon, the highest mountain in the Caesarea Philippi region. Peter, James, and John were chosen for this trip. These three often witnessed events the other disciples did not. This is nothing against the ones left behind, but it shines a light on Jesus’ teaching method. Jesus had an important message to get out, and little time to do it. He needed well-trained disciples to accomplish it. Note, Jesus chose only twelve disciples and among those twelve He went deeper with three others. And these twelve changed the world with the gospel message after Jesus’ accession into heaven. Sometimes less with deep impact accomplishes more.
Peter, James, and John witnessed a spectacular divine event before their eyes. “Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.” (Mk.9:3 nlt) Jesus’ divine glory was revealed. His clothing was radiant in white light as it had never been before. This wasn’t a superficial change of outward appearance. It was a change in His essence. Jesus’ body was glorified as it will be when He returns to earth to set up His kingdom. Imagine the reaction of the disciples as they saw this, along with another stunning occurrence, the presence of Elijah and Moses in front of them talking with Jesus. It is interesting that they recognized two Old Testament figures. In Luke’s gospel, it is referenced Elijah and Moses were talking with Jesus about His upcoming death. (Lk:20-21)
“Peter exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” (Mk.9:5 nlt) Peter had the reputation of speaking first and thinking later. But in this case, I think we can offer him a little grace. The Bible does say that they were all terrified by what they saw. Peter’s suggestion for the shelters has commentators offering several thoughts as to his motives. I must admit it is hard to determine. One opinion is Peter might have thought the millennial kingdom was beginning then and there. He may also have thought they were going to be there for a while, so might as well make permanent shelters. One disturbing thought is Peter seemed to have put Elijah and Moses on equal status with Jesus. This may not have been his intent, and we know all the disciples were still learning. God did remove that thought by removing Elijah and Moses from the scene. But before He did that, God spoke to them as a cloud covered them, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mk.9:7 nlt) The cloud was a symbol of God’s presence of protection and guidance as when leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It also represented the Shekinah glory that was in the Temple of old. The Lord God tells them to listen and obey His Son. He is the one Elijah and Moses spoke about that was to come. Jesus is the only one left standing. Listen to Him!
God allowed Peter, James, and John to see Jesus’ divine glory as it will in the kingdom of God. They were not to say anything to anyone about it until Jesus is raised from the dead. Probably hard for them to do, but Scripture said they obeyed Jesus’ words. “So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by ‘rising from the dead.’” (Mk.9:10 nlt) The disciples still have questions for Jesus concerning this matter, and we will pick it up next week.
Word for the Soul 