“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all done. There He was transfigured before them.” (Mark 9:2 NIV)
I have so many questions.
Why after six days? Was this a Sabbath? Did they climb a mountain with God on a day of rest? (and wouldn’t that have sent the Pharisees into a frenzy?) What mountain did they climb and was it historically significant? (Their last known location was Caesarea Philippi; was it Herman? Pisgah? Certainly not all the south to Sinai…) Also, why just these three? Where were the others? Were they invited? Unaware? Uninterested?
We do know that Jesus takes us to places and people we could never access on our own. I think about Paul under house arrest in Rome, Corrie Ten Boom in a concentration camp, Mother Theresa in the slums of India and so many friends of mine currently on the mission field all over the globe.
Perhaps only Peter, James and John accompanied that day because they were the willing ones. Crowds met Jesus in the countryside, on the lakeshore, in towns and villages. But few were ready to climb a mountain for some face time with Him. This seemingly exclusive hike makes me think about my own commitment to Christ, especially when we consider the following segment from the last chapter:
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34 NIV)
Taking up our cross and losing our life looks like following Jesus wherever He goes: up mountains, across lakes, through storms, to disadvantaged people groups, even prison or execution. Cross-bearing and life-losing for Christ means subtracting self out of the strategy session and being willing to go anywhere simply to be with Jesus.
Six days later, these three disciples seem to still be chewing on Jesus’ latest teaching. They weren’t ready to let Jesus out of their sight; even if that meant climbing a mountain to stay near Him.
“He was transfigured before them.” (Mark 9:2 NIV)
As it turns out, such fierce dedication is eventually rewarded. The three mountain-scalers got to see Jesus as He truly is. Sure, they eavesdropped on a pretty cool conversation with Moses and Elijah, but the transfiguration of Jesus had to be the apex of their climb.
When we follow Jesus closely, we’ll see Him more accurately. We’ll access incredible places and meet amazing people, but most importantly the full revelation of Jesus will transform us entirely. Ongoing exposure to His glory will make us more like Him.
Lord, please give us courage to follow more closely. Help us lay down our lives and take up our crosses; we need Your power and presence to successfully set self aside. Meet with us, take us places and introduce us to people, but most essentially, transform us into Kingdom contributors as we walk with You. We want to see You as You are, thank You for inviting us along this journey. Amen.