COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 95
“ Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him. 8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.”
(Mark 9:5-8; Matt 17:4-8; Lk 9:32-36)
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS, #2
INTRODUCTION
Jesus has been transfigured, His glory bursting forth “while He prayed” – as He was in communion with God. Among other things, this confirms the total absence of sin or defilement in the Lord Jesus. When He was praying, exposed to the Person of God, before whose eyes “all things are naked and open” (Heb 4:13), His glory burst forth. Peter, James, and John were there also, but they were not transfigured. The reason was that “glory” was not inherent in them. Of themselves, they were, like us, as “an unclean thing,” and “all” of their righteousnesses were “as filthy rags” (Isa 64:6). All humanity has “sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). It only takes exposure to the living God to confirm that this is the case. However, it was not so with Jesus. He came “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Rom 8:3), but His flesh was not sinful – for something “sinful” cannot be transfigured. Jesus did not have a “carnal mind” (Rom 8:7), and His “flesh” was not in the category that “profiteth nothing” (John 6:63). In fact, Jesus said of His flesh, “My flesh is meat indeed” (John 6:55). He had a body, but not a “vile body” (Phil 3:21). He was “tempted in all points like as we are” (Heb 4:15), but did not have “flesh” in the sense of a “sinful nature” NIV (Rom 7:18). He did not have an “old man” that required putting off (Eph 4:22). He was truly “separate from sinners” (Heb 7:26), and Satan had “nothing” in Him (John 14:30). The only sin in any form that touched Jesus was when “our sins” were imputed to Him and He bore them in “His own body on the tree” (1 Pet 2:24). We know this doctrinally. We also know it because of His transfiguration, when “HIS glory” (Lk 9:32) broke forth as He communed with the Father.
PETER MAKES A SUGGESTION
“ Mk 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.”
THEY WERE HEAVY WITH SLEEP. Luke provides us with some further details of this event. It appears they had been in the mountain for some time, with Jesus praying to the Father – doubtless about His impending death. Christ was actually transfigured some time after the disciples fell asleep, unable to stay awake because of their fatigue. Luke records, “But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him” (Luke 9:32). Upon waking, the three see Jesus in His glory – transfigured. They also see Moses and Elijah “in glory” talking with Jesus. This is not what they were seeing when they had fallen asleep.
Luke adds one more fact to our arsenal of thought: Moses and Elijah were in the process of leaving Jesus. “And it came to pass, as they” [Moses and Elijah] “departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus” (Lk 9:33a). Peter said “us,” referring to everyone there. However, Moses and Elijah were with “Him” – Jesus – not them. What a startling sight to behold upon awakening – Jesus glorified, and Moses and Elijah in glory departing after talking with Him!
Oh, what things had been taking place while they slept! It is still true that when we are not alert in the presence of the Lord things are taking place that we will regret having missed. Even though Moses and Elijah had appeared for the sake of Jesus Himself, who knows what clarity could have been experienced had the disciples heard the details of their talk about the death Christ would accomplish. Of course, that is nothing more than speculation.
IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE. It appears as though Peter quickly blurted out these words as Moses and Elijah were leaving. All three Gospels record the words, “it is good for us to be here” (Matt 17:4; Mk 9:5; Lk 9:33). Peter is not speaking only for the three disciples, but for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah as well – all six of them. Even though half of that company had missed the discussion that had been going on, yet it seemed best to stay there. The suggestion is that Peter thought it would be good to remain there on “the holy mount” (2 Pet 1:18), taking advantage of the solitude and learning that could be experienced.
Matthew says Peter began by saying “Lord.” Mark and Luke say “Master.” Each Gospel writer used a different Greek word. Matthew reads “Lord,” from the Greek word kurios, meaning supreme in authority, and controller. Mark reads “Master,” from the Greek word “rabbi,” which means “my Great One, or teacher.” Luke also reads “Master,” from the Greek word “epistates,” which means “the One appointed over, or the Commander.” These are three different ways of accenting Jesus’ absolute supremacy. He is over all, is the exclusive Teacher, and has been appointed over us. We will see that Peter was speaking hastily, for he will suggest Jesus was not the only teacher to whom they should listen.
IF THOU WILT. Even though Peter is speaking, in a sense, superficially, he is not speaking thoughtlessly. He knows which of the men is Superior. Therefore, Matthew tells us Peter preceded his suggestion with, “if Thou wilt” (Matt 17:4). With the attitude of a true disciple, he submitted his request to the discretion of the Master.
LET US MAKE THREE TABERNACLES. All thee Gospel writers read the same way: “one for Thee, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Even though they had only briefly witnessed the three of them talking together, now Peter suggests they make each of them a separate habitation. Perhaps his suggestion would induce Moses and Elijah to want to stay, for they were in the act of leaving. The insinuation is that the disciples could spend time in each tent, listening to the words of all three: Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. I do not doubt that the suggestion would have appeared quite excellent to academic addicts.
HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY. Mark adds, no doubt at the dictation of Peter himself, “because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.” NKJV Luke reads, “not knowing what he said” (Lk 9:33). Mark provides why Peter did not know what to say: “for they were sore afraid,” or “terrified,” NRSV or “were in a violent fright (aghast with dread).” AMPLIFIED How are natural men impacted by an awareness of Deity, or even someone from another realm, whether angel or departed spirit? Here we find the inner circle of the disciples “sore afraid.” After sin entered the world, when God came close Adam confessed, “I was afraid” (Gen 3:10). Israel was even “afraid to come nigh” to Moses when his face was shining with but a reflection of Divine glory (Ex 34:30). When the people of Gadara saw the Jesus and the demonic He had healed, “they were afraid” (Mk 5:15). When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the stormy sea, about 3½ miles from shore, “they were afraid” (John 6:16).
When “the flesh” dominates us (as it did prior to the disciples’ new birth), an awareness of the presence of Deity causes fear. That is just the nature of things. Those who imagine that a truly spiritual environment can be made comfortable for the worldly only display their ignorance.
THE CLOUD AND THE VOICE
“ 7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.”
A CLOUD OVERSHADOWED THEM. This was a supernatural cloud, imposed from heaven upon this cluster of men. It was intended to hide certain things from them, and prepare them to adjust their priorities. Matthew reads, “a bright cloud overshadowed them” – a cloud full of light, like a dazzling white cloud (Matt 17:5). Luke tells us that the cloud descended upon them while Peter was still speaking. “While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them.” He also suggests that this did not take place hastily, so they could grasp the full import of what was happening: “and they feared as they entered into the cloud” (Lk 9:34). Their fear, then, was accentuated as they “entered into the cloud.”
Here was an instance when the Lord removed the attention of the disciples from seeing Jesus with Moses and Elijah. He did it by surrounding them with the blinding light of a bright cloud. There are, then, occasions when the focus of human attention must be adjusted.
A VOICE OUT OF THE CLOUD. While the cloud was surrounding them, an attention-getting voice “came out of the cloud.” All of the Gospel writers make a point of the voice coming “out of the cloud” (Matt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35).
In a way, this occasion was similar to Mount Sinai, when “a thick cloud” was “upon the mount” and “the voice of the trumpet exceedingly loud” was heard, causing all of the people to tremble (Ex 19:16). Later, Moses told the people God had spoken to them “out of the midst . . . of the cloud” (Deut 5:22). That occasion differed from this one in that the cloud was dark and foreboding, while this cloud was bright, as though pregnant with promise. This is like a commentary on the difference between Law and Grace.
THIS IS MY BELOVED SON. There will be no question about the One owning this “voice.” This is not the voice of an angel, but of God Himself. It is the same voice that was heard from heaven when Jesus was baptized, and it will say precisely the same thing: “This is My beloved Son” (Matt 3:17; Matt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35). In recounting this event in his second epistle, Peter says that Jesus “received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Pet 1:17). Notice, Peter said the voice came to Jesus (“to Him”), not to the disciples. By this he means that God spoke this on account of Jesus, and to draw attention to His superiority over even the best of all previous teachers.
The “beloved Son” is the One God especially loves. In fact, He is referred to as “the Beloved” (Eph 1:6). The word “beloved” means “esteemed, dear, favorite, and worthy of love.” This is why He is called God’s “dear Son” (Col 1:13), and “His own Son” (Rom 8:3,32). His love for the Son is so pronounced that our eternal destiny is based upon whether or not we have “received Him” (John 1:12), and believe “the record” God has given of Him (1 John 5:10-11). I am persuaded that the average American churchman has not taken Jesus seriously. The alarming presence of ignorance concerning His Person, words, and works, confirm that this is the case. Now, let us hear what the Father says concerning His “beloved Son.”
HEAR HIM! Other versions read, “Listen to Him,” NASB “give ear to Him,” BBE “Listen to what He says,” IE “Keep on listening to Him,” ISV and “Be constantly listening to and obeying Him!” AMPLIFIED Matthew reads, “hear YE Him” (Matt 17:5). Peter had suggested they make provisions to listen to Moses and Elijah as well as Jesus – as though they were equals. God Himself clarifies that He has made no allowance for competitive teachers, or for the attention of His people to be focused on someone else, or their attention divided between imagined peers.
The Spirit makes clear that today is the time when God is speaking to people through His Son: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds” (Heb 1:1-2). That is, man’s thoughts of God and salvation are to be shaped by what the Son says: i.e. His personal words, spoken while He “dwelt among us” (John 1:14; 14:26), and what He has said through His special messengers (Luke 10:16). Moses prophesied the Messiah would be One to whom the people will hearken, else they will be cut off (Deut 18:18-19). Early in the history of the church, Peter referred to this text. “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:22-23).
No one can ignore what Jesus says and be saved – no one! If there are those who do not know what He has said, they are to at once devote themselves to dissipating that ignorance. The modern church may make allowance for such simplicity, but God will not. The word has come down from heaven, and we are to give heed to it: “Hear ye Him!”
THEN THEY SAW JESUS ONLY
“ 8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.”
THEY FELL ON THEIR FACE AND WERE AFRAID. Matthew provides some further details of this occasion. He records the immediate reaction of the disciples to the Voice. “And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid” (Matt 17:6). Men could not speak to Peter, James, and John, about being seeker friendly. They were certainly seekers, and had even “forsaken all” to follow Jesus (Matt 19:27). What is more, they were actually with Jesus in “the holy mount” (2 Pet 1:18). Yet, when they “heard” the voice of God, “they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.” NIV We cannot avoid the conclusion that there is a certain moral and spiritual abrasiveness when the voice of the thrice-holy God falls upon the ears of men who “have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). It is not that God intends to terrify men, or takes delight in it. It is the sharp contrast of His nature that produces the fear.
JESUS CAME AND TOUCHED THEM. Matthew also accents the tenderness of the Savior, who will not break a bruised reed, or quench a smoking flax (Matt1 2:20). While they were prostrate on the ground, shaking with fear, “Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid” (Matt 17:7). This is quite similar to an experience that one of these men would have over sixty years later. John the beloved was on the Isle of Patmos when the glorified Son of God appeared to him. The voice and appearance of the Lord of lords had the same effect upon John then, as this voice did on the holy mount. “And when I saw him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last” (Rev 1:17). How tender and gracious is the Savior! Truly, in His dealings with weak mortals He is “meek and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29).
How many times these very disciples had heard Jesus say those words – “Be not afraid” (Matt 14:27; Mk 6:50; John 6:20), and “Fear not” (Lk 5:10; 12:7,32). Only Jesus has the power to dispel debilitating fear with a word!
THEY LOOKED ROUND ABOUT. Matthew says, “when they had lifted up their eyes” (Matt 17:8). Their fears had been relieved through the majestic word of Jesus, they had gained some composure, and could again consider their surroundings. Upon raising up, they “looked round about,” once again surveying the area. The last thing they had seen was Moses and Elijah leaving as they had concluded speaking with Jesus about the death He would accomplish in Jerusalem. They are still in the same mount, and Jesus is still with them. What will they see now – now that the voice from heaven has spoken?
In order to truly benefit from what they have heard, they must again consider their surroundings. God will see to it that the circumstances will match the word that He has spoken, so that they will no more be distracted or speak foolishly. It is the Divine manner to move us to reconsider things not formerly comprehended. Once Asaph had gone into “the sanctuary,” he had to consider the prospering wicked once again (Psa 73:3-19). David had to reconsider God’s statement “that power belongeth unto God” (Psa 62:11). Peter had to think “on the vision” that he had on the rooftop, and review it in light of a greater understanding (Acts 10:19-20). When receiving a vision of a man crying out, “Come over into Macedonia and help us,” Paul and company had to reconsider it before concluding that God “had called” them to preach the Gospel in that area (Acts 16:9-10).
One of the great liabilities of congregational brevity is that people are never exposed to much truth, nor do they allow for a deeper consideration of what has been said. This side of eternity, we will never know the adverse impact this dreadful custom has had on the people.
THEY SAW NO MAN ANY MORE. “They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.” Matthew reads, “they saw no man, save Jesus only” (Matt 17:8). 8). Luke reads, “Jesus was found alone” – i.e., without Moses and Elijah (Lk 9:36). It is evident that Moses and Elijah had come to encourage the Lord Jesus, not to provide some additional insights for the disciples. The speaking Jesus would shed light on Moses and Elijah, for those who know and hear Him will find all other words from God being the better understood.
For every believer, there must come a time when the only Teacher is Jesus. To be sure, that will include those whom He has sent, who are to be received as Himself. As He said, “He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me” (Matt 10:40). Paul commended the Thessalonians for receiving his word “as it is in truth the word of God” (I1 Thess 2:13). We live in a time when this attitude is exceedingly rare. An apostolic statement of the implications of this truth is, “And ye are complete in Him” (Col 2:10).
THEY KEPT IT CLOSE. Luke says of this epoch, “And they kept it close,” or “kept silent,” NASB or “kept this to themselves” NIV (Lk 9:36). It was not yet time for them to speak openly about what they had experienced. Their own understanding of it was not yet mature. It was better, for the time being, that they keep it within, pondering what had happened, and seeking an understanding of it.