“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.” Mark 9:2-8

I have always enjoyed Peter’s openness, and his ability to say anything without really thinking much about his words. Perhaps I shouldn’t say so much that I enjoy it as I relate to his impulsiveness.  It usually gets him into trouble, yet we see the genuine humanness that has endeared him to many Christians over the last two thousand years. It is refreshing to me as a pastor to see Peter’s ability to speak openly. Why? Because too often we pastor’s are greeted with an uncomfortable silence when we ask questions or seek people’s opinions about texts or other issues in the church. I think people too often allow fear, or fear of embarrassment to quiet their tongue, when I know that there are many unasked questions out there, swimming around in the minds of parishioners. 

What question would you ask Jesus if you were able to have some time with him, alone, just you and Jesus? We have that opportunity now. How? Whatever question you have for Jesus, pray on that question. In other words, take it to Jesus in prayer. Take a lesson from Peter – the text says, “He did not know what to say…”, yet he spoke out anyway.  Take a chance…..

Pastor Dave

“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” ²⁸ And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” ²⁹ He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” ³⁰ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” Mark 8:27-30

Peter has a break-through—Peter, of all people has a moment of clarity.  Jesus has been frustrated with his disciples and their lack of understanding (see 8:17 – 18). All along they appear to be confused and confounded by what they experience with Jesus. But, finally, Peter responds to Jesus’ question “Who do you say that I am?” with these words, “You are the Messiah”. Will this understanding hold up over time? Will the disciples truly understand everything that Jesus will tell them and teach them? It appears, even at the end of the Gospel of Mark, that the disciples are in doubt and experience a true lack of understanding. But, as we will see in the book of Acts, they eventually “get it”. 

But for now, Peter’s declaration foreshadows the upcoming Transfiguration—for after Peter’s response, Jesus continues with his teaching, concluding with: “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” How do you see the Kingdom of G-d coming to you with power in your life?

Pastor Dave