Mark 9. Yesterday we investigated how the disciples did not yet see Jesus clearly, their vison of his true identity was still rather blurry. Chapter eight ended with the first of three instances where Jesus explained to the disciples that he would suffer many things and be rejected… and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said this plainly (8:31-32). I love that the text notes, he said this plainly – as clearly as he could. He was hiding nothing from them. Yet they still were not really grasping what was going to happen when they finally got to Jerusalem.

Then a week later Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on the mountain with him where he is transfigured into heavenly glory before their eyes (9:2-13). They did not know what to say, they were terrified. (In Mark’s stories the disciples were terrified a lot! Scared of the sea, disturbed by the demonic, and often terrified by the demonstrations of Jesus’ power and glory.) Just like it did at the baptism of Jesus, the voice of God speaks from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Then Jesus tells them that they cannot share this amazing experience with anyone else until he has risen from the dead. They’ve had this incredible window into heaven and the work of God, but they are still discussing what rising from the dead meant.

Why the transfiguration? Have you ever wondered what the purpose of that mountain top event was exactly? I think one way to look at it is like this – We know Jesus is going to face beatings, accusations, and crucifixion. He has predicted his death twice now. We are approaching the climax of his whole life story, the purpose for which he came to earth. Things are about to become extremely challenging for everyone. When chaos comes and everything seems awful, Jesus wants them to remember the transfiguration. Jesus wants them to have faith that he is the Messiah, the son of God, and that he will rise from the dead and set all things right.

Jesus is teaching the disciples about how serious and difficult it will be to follow him. He says things like if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it (8:34-38). And, if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and a servant of all (9:35). It’s going to take some intentional commitment for them to walk with Jesus and deny their own sinful preferences. Jesus instructs them, if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off… or your foot, or your eye… (9:42-50). This is tough stuff!

In order to get through the coming weeks – and the years that follow – the disciples will need to remember the transfiguration, the voice of God from heaven, and everything Jesus said about what was to come. In the story of the boy oppressed by a demonic spirit, one that the disciples could not cast out (9:14-29), we see that the faith of the disciples is still too small. They still do not see Jesus clearly. They did not understand. Jesus is frustrated and a bit despondent… Oh faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?

It is the faith of the oppressed boy’s father that is the best example for us. He cries out, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus has reminded him that all things are possible for the one who believes (9:23-24).

Often, I think I must be like the disciples. I think I know Jesus, but then I don’t always act like I understand it all. When times are difficult and I face challenges, my actions may indicate a lack of faith, or a lack of understanding. Jesus says all things are possible. I do believe, and I cry out help my unbelief!