Six days later, Jesus leads his three closest disciples (Peter, James and John) up a high mountain where they are alone. This is one of the most dramatic events recorded in Mark’s Gospel and reveals the true identity of Jesus.
The word ‘transfigure’ means to change or be transformed. In this event Jesus’ physical appearance changes, “His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.”
The disciples see before them two of the most important figures in Judaism - Moses and Elijah.
Moses represented the law as God gave him the Ten CommandmentsThe list of rules, revealed by God to Moses, found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Also known as the Decalogue. on Mount Sinai.
Elijah was regarded as the greatest prophet, so his presence represented the prophets.
The disciples reacted with fear. Peter, wanting to recognise the importance of the event suggested building three tents.
In a similar way to Jesus’ baptism, a cloud appeared and a voice spoke from the cloud, The difference being that this time, all those present heard the voice of God.
Jesus again warned the disciples not to tell anyone about this “until the Son of Man has risen from the dead”. The disciples failed to understand the importance of these words until after Jesus’ death and resurrectionThe rising of Christ from the dead, three days after the crucifixion..