Mark 9:2-4

Passage

Jesus then takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray.  While up on the mountain Jesus was transfigured (literally metamorphed).  His appearance changed before their very eyes.  His clothes became whiter than anyone could possibly have achieved through bleach.  Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, talking to Him.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus takes His three inner circle members up a mountain to pray.  It is interesting to note here that Jesus doesn’t take all twelve of the disciples.  Jesus takes His inner cadre.  What is interesting is simply to note that Jesus had an inner cadre.  I’ve been saying all along that Jesus taught the crowds with parables and explained everything plainly to the disciples.  But here we see that it went deeper than that.  Jesus may have taught plainly to the disciples, but there were a few among even the disciples who knew more than the others.  Jesus had His leaders; He also had the leaders of the leaders.

How does it sit with you to realize that Jesus didn’t treat everyone the same?  Why do you think Jesus was closer to Peter, James, and John?  Why do you think Jesus would want the three of them in on this very special event?

Second Thought:

Jesus’ appearance changed.  His clothes became whiter than humanly possible.  His appearance changed.  Clearly, this is an important moment for Jesus.  Jesus has decided to go to Jerusalem for the last time and to take His disciples with Him.  Having made that decision, He goes up the mountain and has this experience.  The fact that His clothes become white is symbolic of His purity.  Although He has made a tough decision to take His disciples with Him and have them experience what will happen in Jerusalem, God is telling Jesus that His decision is the pure one.  It is the right one.  God changes the appearance of Jesus as a sign of solidarity with His decision.

Why is it important to have the approval of God?  How do you think it made Jesus feel to have such a visible sign of God’s approval with respect to His journey?

Third Thought:

Moses and Elijah appear.  Moses is the one to whom the Law was given.  Elijah is considered by the Hebrew people to be the greatest prophet to have ever lived.  Clearly the appearance of Moses and Elijah is a sign that the Word of God and the Spirit of God are in support of Jesus.  They come to encourage Him.  They come to talk.  Symbolically, as Jesus turns to Jerusalem for one final time He is supported by the Word and the Spirit.  In fact, I think it goes deeper than that.  As He begins His trip to Jerusalem in order to be crucified, Jesus begins rooted in the Word and the Spirit of God.

What can this passage teach us about the importance of having the support of God’s Word?  What can this passage tell us about the importance of having the support of those who speak through God’s Spirit?  Why is it important to note that Jesus begins this last and greatest journey as He does?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 9:5-6