The Transfiguration

Mark 9:2 - 9

Today is transfiguration Sunday. The Sunday that connects the season of Epiphany with the season of Lent. The season where Jesus is revealed to the world in many different ways and the season which reveals who we are.

Our gospel reading takes us up a mountain, a place of solitude, where Jesus is transformed and his clothes were dazzling white. Even if you bleach it you cant get such a white. A shining, dazzling white. The only witnesses to this are the three close disciples of Jesus. Peter, James and John. At the point of transformation there are two persons who are seen. Moses who represents the law and Elijah the prophets. Then we have Peter the most forward of all, preferring to stay on top of the mountain and then the voice from heaven – This is by beloved son who I love, Listen to him.

From what we read in the scriptures this event was seen with worldly eyes by the disciples, especially Peter. In the last section of chapter 8 Peter is not willing to accept that Jesus has to die and rise again. The disciples didn’t understand the mission of Jesus. His purpose on this earth. Jesus rebukes him to the level he says get behind me satan. So this morning let us journey up that mountain and try to understand what this whole event is all about and what is expected of all Jesus’ disciples who live in this age.

1^st the transfiguration of Jesus v2&3. He transfigured. It is a transformation from an earthly form to a supernatural form. It is that result that is seen externally his clothes white as snow. It is a transformation that just reveals Jesus as who he really is – Lord. His form changed keeping with his inner reality. His inner reality – the glory of God, who Jesus really was. If you turn to Mat 28:3, this is similar to Jesus at the time of resurrection. The three close disciples of Jesus are given a glimpse into Jesus as Lord and his glory. White is the colour of purity and perfection and this is revealed in the transformation of Jesus.

Now what does this mean to us as disciples living in this age and time? To us transformation is an invisible process. It is a continuous process. It is a process which is the result of time spent in solitude with God, a close relationship with him, and understanding his will and purpose not just for our lives but also for this world and fulfilling it. Such a life will always reflect to others the glory of Jesus in our lives. That is what the world and those around us will see.

The second we see is the voice from heaven v7. This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him. Similar words were spoken about Jesus.  At his Baptism. To the disciples who had not understood the mission of God and the purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry on this earth, this voice from heaven, the voice of God reminds them who Jesus is and calls them to obedience. John 3:16 tells us how much Jesus loves this world. He loves this world because humanity was created by Him, in his image so that they might relate to him. That love was so great that he sends his Jesus. Through that he expects everyone to believe in him and have eternal life. For eternal life transformation is necessary.

God wants Jesus’ disciples to know this truth. He wants them to understand Jesus and his mission from the heart of God and not to be selfish. Therefore he ends by saying “listen to him”. What does it mean to listen? To understand and comprehend. Such listening calls you to obedience which brings about a change. Even though at that moment Peter did not understand what was being said, 2Peter 1:16-18.

And so the voice from heaven “Listen” which prompts obedience in the life of disciples are important. It is obedience to Jesus, to the word of God that will bring about transformation in the life of the believer.

The best example we have is Jesus himself. He was obedient to God’s will. Lk 2:52, Lk 22:42, we say this every day. Lord’s pray. Phil 2:8. So we see Jesus obedient to his earthly parents as well as his heavenly father.

And thirdly we come to the act that prompted such a response from heaven. Again it is the attitude of Peter. Peter is afraid, he like the attention he is getting being around with Jesus. V 5& 6. Peter says “a tabernacle for each”. Let’s stay here. This is a nice environment. You won’t have to suffer and die. No problems. Bright. Everything is fine. Peter misses the point. He wanted to bask சுகமாக in that environment. He forgot once again that the call to discipleship is not to live in such an environment, but to make that experience as a launch pad to go back into the community that he lived and share that glory and brightens with the world. Because the world and the community Jesus and the disciples lived in was in need of it.

This is true of many Christians today. They go from preacher to preacher, they love to hear sermons, they are always listening to Christian music and songs, but they are not able to go and live outside in the community. Every experience we have with our Master JC is one that prompts us go back into the community and live that experience. It is that which will enable the unbeliever to see Jesus alive and at work in this world.

Many want to have an emotional spirituality. Beyond that life in the world does not reflect it.

2 Cor 4:6. The transfiguration experience is one where the glory of God is seen in the face of Jesus. We are all called to be transformed, transfigured, so that the glory of Christ will be seen in every believer who lives on this earth.

That’s why our lord and Saviour JC is the light of the world. A light that dispels darkness. A light that reflects off every believer. A light that always burns bright. He calls us to do the same.

The period of Lent gives us the best opportunity to have our own transfiguration experience as we sit at the feet of God. May God continue to bless us as we journey with him.