‘And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.  And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.  And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”  And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.’ Mark 9: 1-7

We continue with our Pilgrimage of Hope up to Jerusalem in the footsteps of Jesus at Mount Tabor, the traditional site of the transfiguration of Jesus of Nazareth. It is here, in close proximity to Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew-up and where his divine glory was concealed in his humanity, (so that the people of Nazareth even questioned his claims and miracles), that he is transfigured before his three closest disciples – Peter, James and John – to reveal the glory which will accompany his second advent when he returns in great power and glory – see Mark 13:26.

The transfiguration of Jesus is therefore an apocalypse, a heavenly revelation, granted to these three apostles of the coming eternal kingdom of God with power, which Jesus alluded to in the above passage. They are eyewitnesses of the majesty of Christ on the sacred mountain based on the honour and glory bestowed on him by God the Father with the voice from the sublime Presence which said, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him,” as Peter recounts in his second epistle – see 2 Peter 1:16-18.

This is the same voice expressing God’s love and good pleasure with his Son which was heard as Jesus emerged from the water at his baptism by John at the start of his public ministry. Now as he approaches the end of his public ministry, his identity as God’s beloved Son is affirmed by his Father, with the added instruction, “Listen to him.” This is directed at the three astonished disciples who have been hearing the words of Jesus about his imminent suffering and death in Jerusalem but not understanding (or listening).

Moses representing the Law (Torah) and Elijah representing the Prophets who point to Jesus as the coming Messiah, appear with Jesus in his glory talking with him about his departure which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem, again alluding to the suffering he is to endure before entering his glory. When the cloud that had enveloped them lifts, only Jesus remains standing before his startled disciples as he is the one they are to listen to and follow as the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets.

Let us, together with his disciples continue to follow and listen to Jesus on this pilgrimage of hope up to Jerusalem!

Questions:

1. What does this revelation of the glory of Jesus of Nazareth on the road up to Jerusalem mean for you as a Christ follower amid the pain and suffering of the modern world? How will you respond?
2. A disciple is an apprentice or learner of the way with Jesus of Nazareth whose ear is to be awakened each morning to listen as one under instruction from Christ. What distracting voices do you need to silence to be able to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly as you continue your own Lenten journey towards Easter this year?

Prayer: Radiant God of Light, we thank you for shining your light in our hearts to reveal the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ! We acknowledge that we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this glorious power belongs to God and not to us. Thank you that because you shared in our humanity and became obedient to the point of death on a cross, that we can share in your divine nature. Give us listening ears to hear and obey your instructions to each one of us as we continue to follow you on the road to of your suffering and glory! In the name of Jesus our glorious Lord we pray. Amen!