The Transfiguration Mark 9:2-8 |English Devotion | NHFCSG

 

The Transfiguration Mark 9:2-8

 

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain and Jesus went to pray.

The moment Jesus began to pray, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning (Luke 9:29) and Jesus was transfigured. 

What is transfiguration? a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state (google meaning). 

The word transfigured describes a change on the outside that comes from the inside (enduringword.com) 

When Jesus began to pray and seek God His Father, a change took place. Jesus was transfigured from the inside out. His face was shining, his clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

#1 Moses and Elijah

Moses and Elijah appeared, and they spoke to Jesus. They conversed about the departure of Jesus, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31).

Moses and Elijah played an important role in transfiguration because

Moses represents those who die and go to glory, and Elijah represents those who are caught up to heaven without death (as in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

They also represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The sum of Old Testament revelation comes to meet with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration.

They also figure together in the future fulfilment of prophecy. Elijah and Moses are likely connected to the witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13.

#2 Peter, James & John

Peter, James, John was frightened to see the scene of transfiguration. Out of nervousness, Peter said to Jesus that he will build three shelters: one for Moses, Elijah, and for Jesus. 

Peter did not realize what he said was wrong (v6) because he equalled Jesus with Moses and Elijah. Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah; Jesus was the Son of God. 

Then the cloud encircled all three of them and a voice came from the cloud saying “this is my son, whom I Love. Listen to him (Mark 9:7), This is my son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him (Luke 9:35).

#3 The Cloud 

The cloud plays an important role in most of the Biblical history because it is not an ordinary cloud, but it the glory of God in the form of a cloud.

1.In Exodus, during Moses’ period, the glory travelled along with the Israelites to protect, guard, and shield them (Exodus 13:21-22)

2.During Solomon’s days, God appeared through the clouds to during the dedication service (I Kings 8:10-11)

3.Cloud got Jesus up to the heaven (Acts 1:9)

4.Jesus will come in the clouds again (Rev 1:7)

 

Jesus did everything according to the will of the Father and He was pleased with Jesus.

Peter, James, and John heard the voice from the cloud; God the Father testifying about Jesus (this is my beloved son). The same testimony is also recorded in Matthew 4:17, during the baptism of Jesus. 

2 Peter 1:17-19, Peter testifies that “17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[b] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

#4 Transfiguration in Us

Transfiguration/transformation takes place from within us; transforming from the old-self to the new-self.

Transformation occurs:

1. When we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to the will of the Father 
2. When we seek to do the will of the Father 
3. When we set our minds and hearts on heavenly things
4. When we invite the Holy Spirit to take control over our lives

 

God wants each one of us to be transformed in His likeness. God desires that each one of us will reflect His glory in this world. That is why God has given His Spirit to help us connect with Him, to help us strengthen and mature our spiritual growth, to commune with him, to empower us to do His mission, and accomplish His purpose in our lives. 

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, help us to be transformed and be Christ like in our lives. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and the cross that we can be strengthened and stay focused in the race that is marked for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.