This Message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 26, 2007, and was taken from Mark 9:2-7.
As we left last week’s passage, Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, and Jesus reveals to his disciples his road to the cross, leaving the disciples greatly discouraged. This sets the mood for today’s message.
The Transfiguration
In the six days following all the bad news, the disciples have had plenty of time to think about what all that Jesus told them had meant. Then on the mountain top they get a brief glimpse of glory. This will sustain them through the dark days ahead. Nothing bolsters confidence and courage, like seeing Jesus for who he really is.
- Jesus is seen as the unique and visible expression of the glory of God. Mark, in his economy of words simply says “And he was transfigured before them,” which means that just enough of his glory slipped out to reveal some of his divinity to Peter, James and John. Why did this unveiled glory take place? To declare to them that Jesus is God. We must preach this Christ without apology. He is without equal. He is our Savior, God himself.
- Jesus is the ultimate message of God to the world. Elijah, and Moses, the two central figures in Israel’s history, signifying the Law and the Prophets, are seen at the transfiguration, speaking to Jesus. They were talking to Jesus about his “departure” or death on the cross. Why? Because this is symbolic of the fact that all of the Law and the Prophets were speaking about Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
- Jesus is the only begotten son of the living God. Peter, James, and John are terrified at all they are witnessing. Mark records that they didn’t know what to say. Luke records that they didn’t know what they were saying. Peter, since he didn’t know what to say, said it. “Lord it’s really good that we are here. We can build a tabernacle to each one of you.” implying that all three are equal. Peter, obvious from his statement, doesn’t understand the significance of this scene. When God declares “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” he is in effect telling Peter to stop talking and listen to Jesus, for he is God’s unique son. Our hope, trust, and peace is not based in a system, but in the Lord Jesus Christ.