Mark 8:38-9:8
38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 9
1 And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God when it has come with power.”
2 And six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter, James, and John, and *brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter responded and *said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here; let’s make three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
6 For he did not know how to reply; for they became terrified.
7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!”
8 And suddenly they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.
Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration (1)
Fulfillment of Jesus’ promise
Jesus promised that some of His disciples would witness His appearance in the glory of the kingdom of God during their lifetime. This promise was fulfilled in the event known as the “Transfiguration.” Disciples that were given the privilege of witness this glory were Peter, James, and John. Regarding the location of the Transfiguration, some suggest it was Mount Tabor, while others suggest it was Mount Hermon. Considering that there was a house of idols at Mount Tabor at that time, it seems unlikely that Jesus would have taken His disciples there. Therefore, Mount Hermon appears to be more accurate. (1) Jesus took only Peter, James, and John with Him up the mountain. (2) While in prayer, Jesus’ appearance began to transform, and began to shine with glory. This glory is known as the “Shekinah Glory,” which is the glory that Jesus will have in the Messianic Kingdom (the Millennial Kingdom). The Messianic Kingdom is the kingdom that Jesus will establish on earth after His Second Coming. (3) Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus.
Peter’s reaction
Peter, seeing Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, impulsively suggested building three tabernacles. His reason for such a proposal was his misconception that it was time to prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles. (1) The Feast of Tabernacles is a festival that prophesies the Messianic Kingdom (ref. Zech. 14:16-18). When Peter witnessed Jesus’ glory, he interpreted it as the arrival of the Messianic Kingdom and thought of celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles by building tabernacles. (2) Peter, however, did not understand that the Feast of Passover had to come before the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Passover prophesies Jesus’ crucifixion. The life of the Messiah progresses in the order of the cross, resurrection, ascension, and the second coming. At that moment, a voice from heaven was heard, saying, “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!” Jesus truly is all in all. Are you walking, looking only at Jesus? Are you obedient to Jesus alone? Let’s take a moment for self-reflection, ensuring you are not walking ahead of Jesus.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I bow before the glory of the Messiah and offer my worship to You. Help me walk today, listening to the voice of Jesus. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.