Reactions to Our Guide as He Proceeds
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 9:2-10
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
Reflect
This week we will see many different reactions to Jesus that include praise, anger, delight, humiliation, fear, confusion and rejection. This event on the mountain called “the Transfiguration” gives his closest followers a taste of the glory of Christ that was to come. Moses’ presence evokes memories of the exodus and God’s saving power. It is also preparation for what is to come – God’s saving power in the death and resurrection of His only Son. Jesus’ orders to Peter, James and John telling them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead provokes discussion and many questions. It is a mystery to them now but will soon take on powerful meaning.
Closing prayer
Father, we pray that you will give us greater insight to your true nature so that we will be better equipped to share your truth with others. Amen.