INTRODUCTION
Bill Maher once said: “To most Christians, the Bible is like a software license. Nobody actually reads it. They just scroll to the bottom and click 'I agree.’”1 Interestingly enough, many of us say we believe the Bible until something comes up that we disagree with (in all honesty, it is mostly what we do not like). Therefore, the authority has fallen by the wayside. It is crucial that as modern man seeks to know what is required of him, they follow the proper authority. Mark chapter nine is where we want to camp out and consider the authority needed today.
THE TRANSFIGURATION (v. 1-4)
The teaching that the apostles receive in this chapter is preparing them. For what? To boldly proclaim Jesus despite the opposition they will encounter in the book of Acts. The first lesson taught in Mark nine is on the kingdom (Mark 9:1). This is not the first time the kingdom has been discussed. Daniel predicted it would happen by inspiration (Daniel 2). Isaiah predicted the Lord’s house would be established in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2). Nathan told David that God would establish his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12)! Jesus is providing more information concerning the kingdom here. He began by saying that the kingdom was “at hand” (Mark 1:15). He now says there would be people in this audience that day who would not experience death before that kingdom come.
Those who hold the dispensational premillennialist view must be troubled by this verse. A dispensational premillennialist is someone who divides the Bible into seven dispensations. This classification of P.M. presumes that Christ failed when He came to set up His kingdom. Yet, Jesus said the kingdom was coming, and the people would not taste death. If the Dispensational view is accurate, then the following would have to be the case: Jesus intentionally lied, or Jesus was innocently mistaken. If someone accepts either of these positions, Jesus is not God (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; John 10:30).
Or, there is another view: Jesus told the truth. There is no need to wait for the kingdom to come 2,000 years later. It is already here. The next thing said about the kingdom is that it would come with power. Jesus had given instructions on when and how this power would come (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). The apostles did wait in Jerusalem and were there on the first day of Pentecost. At this time, the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2:1, 4). Since the spirit came that day, the kingdom must have started that day.
After this claim, Jesus and the “inner circle” of the disciples (Peter, James, and John) went up to a high mountain, and Jesus was “transfigured” before them (9:2-3). This is not an isolated incident where Peter, James, and John were privileged to travel with Jesus minus the others (Mark 5:37; 13:3; 14:33). The text says that this was “after six days” (9:2), and the speculation is that this is six days after Peter’s claim that “Jesus is the Christ” in the previous chapter (8:29). The word for transfiguration is from a Greek word “μεταμορφόω”2 This is the word from which we get our English word “metamorphosis” which is often used to describe the change from caterpillar to butterfly.
Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began to talk with Jesus (9:4). What a sight that must have been to the “inner circle” as they would have no doubt heard the accounts of what these two had accomplished but had never seen them with their eyes. Mark’s account does not tell us the topic of discussion. Yet, Luke says they discussed the crucifixion (Luke 9:31). Oh, to be a fly on the proverbial wall at this moment in History.
THE POINT (v. 5-10)
What was the purpose of this event? Was it what Peter suggested to “Make three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5)? No, because Mark informs us that Peter was unaware of what he was saying because of his fear (9:6). He was guilty of speaking when it would have been better to observe. He had voiced the essential attitude of the Jewish mindset at that time. Make a tabernacle for these great men! Much respect could be found for Moses and Elijah, and Jesus Himself was the equivalence to Elijah and other past prophets on that day (Matthew 16:13-14). The proper response to the point was then stated. “And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’”3 Clouds had often been used as symbols of the presence of God before this event (Exodus 16:10; 19:9; 1 Kings 8:10-11).
After this, Moses (representative of the law) and Elijah (representative of the prophets) disappeared, and only Jesus was left (Mark 9:8). Jesus had come to fulfill both the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). This is why God emphasized hearing Jesus and that Jesus was His Son (Mark 9:7, 1:11). The point of such an event was for the “inner circle” and beyond to realize that Jesus is now the authority and standard for doctrine. Do not look to the teachings of Moses. Do not look to the teachings of Elijah and the prophets. Look to Jesus. Hear. Him.
TEXT TAKEAWAYS
As we ponder this passage of Scripture, it is essential not to miss the point of the passage as Peter initially did (Mark 9:9-10). As we look to the Bible for our standard of living, we can note some lessons from this text that apply today.
#1. Jesus is the source of authority under the new covenant. It is not the Law of Moses. It is not the law of the prophets. It is simply Jesus. The Hebrews writer would say this when he opened his letter (Hebrews 1:1-3). This also illuminates Christ’s role as the prophet who supersedes Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Further proof is also noted by the disappearance of both Moses and Elijah.
#2. When Jesus speaks, I must listen. What better application for us today than state it exactly as God said (Mark 9:7). I must listen. I must listen when I like what I hear. I must listen when I don’t like what I hear. Why? Because we love the Savior (John 14:15). I used to be guilty of saying that I “like” the Bible. However, as I grew and realized the standards of God, I understood that there are commands and passages that I do not like. So, what makes me want to follow Christ and keep His Word? Because loving God trumps liking or agreeing with what His Word says. If we truly love Jesus, we will pursue every single commandment given. If we truly love Jesus, we will deny ourselves and do what the Bible teaches.
CONCLUSION
The application of this text is the same as it was to the Apostles that witnessed it. Love Jesus enough to follow Him and only Him. People cannot appeal to the law of Moses. They cannot appeal to the prophets. They must appeal to Christ. Hear Him!
Bible Word Study. Logos Bible Software.
The New King James Version (Mk 9:7). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
Excellent!