Transfiguration and Transformation
by Jon Walker
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.” Mark 9:5 (NIV)
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When Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration, he changed right before their eyes, as if filled with a dazzling light whiter than anyone could bleach him (Mark 9:3).
Then, without warning, Elijah and Moses appeared before Jesus. Peter blurted out: “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” (Mark 9:5 NIV).
In fairness to Peter, the Gospels indicate he was frightened and babbling on, not sure what to say (see Mark 9:6 MSG).
Peter responded no different from the way we so often respond: he wanted to build a monument to honor the greatness of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses, to commemorate the greatness of this place and the greatness of this moment.
But God spoke up and, in a sense, said: “Look, skip the monuments. Skip the building. Here’s what I want you to do: Listen to my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (based on Mark 9:7 NIV).
“It’s the Mary and Martha decision all over again. Focus on the wow; now is not the time for how. Why do you want to pull away from the dazzling glory of my Son to build monuments?
“Besides, Peter, I am building the monuments—and you are one of them. You and James and John and anyone who believes in my Son become a monument of my grace. Just as my Son’s appearance changed from the inside out, I am doing the same to you—pressing the pure, white light of forgiveness and grace through you, so others can see it, and know that I am God” (see Matthew 17:2 MSG).
And Paul picks up the chorus, singing there is “nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG).
Jon Walker is the author of “Growing with Purpose: Connecting with God Every Day.” This article is copyrighted 2010 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
