(1) Context
Jesus invited His followers to deny ourselves and to face rejection v.34-38 To do so they needed to see how great it will be of the Kingdom of God.
(2) What did the disciples see about the Kingdom of God v.1?
9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” 9:2 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John and led them alone up a high mountain privately. And he was transfigured before them,
(NET) Several suggestions have been made as to the referent for the phrase the kingdom of God come with power... The reference to after six days in 9:2 seems to indicate that Mark had the transfiguration in mind insofar as it was a substantial prefiguring of the consummation of the kingdom... As such, the transfiguration was a tremendous confirmation to the disciples that even though Jesus had just finished speaking of his death (8:31; 9:31; 10:33), he was nonetheless the promised Messiah and things were proceeding according to God’s plan.
In 1st century Judaism and in the NT, there was the belief that the righteous get new, glorified bodies in order to enter heaven (1 Cor 15:42–49; 2 Cor 5:1–10). This transformation means the righteous will share the glory of God. One recalls the way Moses shared the Lord’s glory after his visit to the mountain in Exod 34. So the disciples saw Jesus transfigured, and they were getting a sneak preview of the great glory that Jesus would have (only his glory is more inherent to him as one who shares in the rule of the kingdom).
(3) 9:5 So Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 9:6 (For they were afraid, and he did not know what to say.)9:7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my one dear Son. Listen to him!”
(NET) Peter apparently wanted to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles or Booths that looked forward to the end and wanted to treat Moses, Elijah, and Jesus as equals by making three shelters (one for each). It was actually a way of expressing honor to Jesus, but the next few verses make it clear that it was not enough honor.
Reflection: For Jesus to encourage the disciples to follow Him, He gave them a glimpse of the future Kingdom. In that Kingdom, the most glorious person is Jesus. Not only His clothes were special. Those who talked to Him were special representatives of the Old Testament. The 3 shelters proposed by Peter did not serve Him the right place. God said Jesus is the beloved, the special Son. We should listen to Him.
Who are we listening to today? To our friends? To ourselves? Or do we turn our attention to God and listen to Him?
Jesus also understood His disciples and gave them encouragement when He knew we needed them. Do we have a hard time denying ourselves and face rejection by the world? Ask Jesus. He understands.
Audrey
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