2 Peter 1:12-21, A Glimpse of the King In His Glory (2)

Three disciples saw Jesus transfigured.  Then they witnessed Jesus in conversation with Elijah and Moses.  The presence of these two is not just because they represent the Law and the Prophets.  Elijah is tied to the onset of Christ’s earthly kingdom as we will note later in this passage (9:11-13).  Malachi 4:5-6 prophesied he would come and restore the nation through his preaching.  We have also noted the connection between Jesus and Moses.  It is interesting that this is the first time we know of when Moses is in the “Promised Land.”  He was forbidden by the LORD to enter in the time of Joshua.  Luke tells us that the conversation was about Jesus’ “exit” (either His death or more likely His ascension). 

The topic of the conversation is not important to Mark.  What is important is Peter’s response, when he couldn’t think of anything else to say, suggesting they build three tabernacles in honor of the three men.  This leads to an audible response from God the Father who again speaks in favor of His Son: This is My beloved Son; hear Him!  The Father had spoken at Jesus baptism (Mk. 1:11) and would speak once more shortly before His crucifixion (Jn. 12:28).  Peter, for all his frequent misspeaks, reminds us of this in 2 Pt. 1:18: We heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  He then adds a profound application of the Father’s words: And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (1:19),  The transfiguration is an amazing scene and event.

·       Why?  The purpose of this event requires that we go back to Mk. 9:1 for a moment.  Jesus seems to indicate it is about “the kingdom of God” in a powerful display.  What is Jesus talking about here?  I suppose the most popular view is that Jesus was talking about the transfiguration when He speaks of some in the crowd not dying before they see the kingdom in power.  That is possible, although I think it’s a little strange.  It is quite possible that no one in the crowd died before that event, and of course, only three actually saw it.  Some say it refers to Jesus’ resurrection, that this was a powerful display of God’s kingdom, defeating death.  A few see the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD as fulfilling Jesus’ words, but I’m not sure that fits.  Some say it refers to the second coming of Christ, but none of the people there that day will be alive for that display of power.  I see the beginning of the Church on the day of Pentecost as fulfilling Jesus’ words, a view held by some.  The Church is not the earthly Kingdom of Christ, but it is, as we have noted previously in Mark 4, the “mystery form” of the Kingdom of Christ.  Perhaps the point is that they will not have to wait for the second coming of Christ to see the Kingdom of God in a powerful form.  The Church certainly fits that description!