Mark 9: Listen to Jesus

Today’s reading is Mark 9.

In a scene reminiscent of Moses going up on the mountain and speaking with God, even seeing some of His glory, Jesus takes three of the apostles onto a high mountain and is transfigured before them. The apostles are terrified. They have no idea what to say about this. What a perfect invitation for Peter to say something.

Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.
–Mark 9:5 (ESV)

The cloud overshadowed Peter and the other two apostles. From the cloud a voice declared:

This is my beloved Son; listen to him.
—Mark 9:7 (ESV)

Think about this on two levels. First, in the flow of Mark’s account of the gospel. Second, as a larger scale point about the purpose of the gospel.

At the first level, just a few verses prior to this event, Jesus told of His impending death and resurrection. Not understanding how the Christ could suffer like this, Peter rebuked Jesus. Jesus told him to set his mind on God’s things, not man’s. Now, on this mountain when Peter once again sticks his foot in his mouth, the lesson is “Listen to Jesus.” In other words, “Peter, talk less, listen more.” When Jesus was teaching, Peter needed to quit trying to figure out the thing to say to make himself look good. He needed to simply listen. Jesus knows what He’s talking about. We should probably listen as well.

At the second level, Mark has been writing to demonstrate the authority of Jesus. He is king. He is in authority. He fulfills the Law and the Prophets. He surpasses the Law and the Prophets. Peter surely thinks he is doing a great thing by putting Jesus on a level with Moses and Elijah. The voice from the cloud (the Father) explains Jesus is on a higher plane than these two prophets. No doubt, Moses and Elijah point to Jesus. We can learn about the Messiah from them and the Scripture they represent. But Jesus is the real manifestation of God and His will. We need to listen to Jesus. He is the mediator of our covenant. We are no longer under the authority of Moses and Elijah or any of the rest of those ancient prophets. We are under Jesus Christ. We need to listen to His message, His covenant, His teaching.

Are you listening?

Tomorrow’s reading is Mark 9.

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How does Mark 9 prompt or improve your praise of God?