Listen!

Mark 9:2-8 (NRSV) 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

It is interesting to me that Jesus takes these three characters with him to the mountain top. The language is emphatic, apart, by themselves. Jesus and this inner circle of imperfect men get a glimpse of glory. Was it a moment of authentication? Was Jesus giving these three the inside scoop to what was really going on? Was it a moment to say, “Even if the veil was lifted and you could see what was really going on, you would still say stupid things?”

How did they know it was Elijah and Moses? Did Jesus make the introductions? Were they wearing name tags? Of course, we move right past those odd things and into the apparent point. God was speaking, had been speaking. God spoke through Moses and through Elijah. Israel has the Law and the Prophets. Now, behold, he does a new thing and speaks through the beloved Son. The point was to listen to God.

If we could see beyond the veil, how would we respond? Would we be struck dumb, as Peter was? Would it be awe-full? Would we be deeply moved and encouraged to know that God was still speaking, still involved in the mess down here? I think Jesus picked three guys that would talk about it. They weren’t afraid of sounding stupid.