Transfiguration – a four-act play
by Martin Oldfield
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‘“Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus’ (Mark 9:7b,8).
The Transfiguration is a mixture of theatre, history, prophecy, and covert operations. There are many themes, but one overarching message. Jesus was anything but conventional in his approach.
Peter, James and John were in Jesus’ inner circle. Only a few days earlier, Peter acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah and was horrified when told that he was going to die (Mark 8:29–33). Jesus gave them a dramatic lesson in a four-act play.
Act 1: He took them up a mountain – the setting for many biblical encounters with God. He shone in his glorified form – no wonder they were terrified!
Act 2: Entering from stage left, the long-dead Moses and Elijah appeared and started talking to Jesus about his impending death (Luke 9:31). The disciples knew who the pair were: Moses received the law, and Elijah represented the prophets of the Old Testament. Peter offered to build three identical tents – a physical place for each of these three to reside, effectively putting Jesus on par with Moses and Elijah. Peter still had much to learn!
Act 3: The play reaches its crescendo with the Father appearing from a cloud and saying those immortal words, ‘This is my Son whom I love. Listen to him!’ And – shazam! Moses and Elijah disappeared, leaving Jesus centre stage. The message was loud and clear. Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets. His is the only voice you need. Moses led his people out of the bondage of the Egyptians; Jesus will lead his people out of the bondage of sin.
Act 4: And finally, the covert bit – ‘Don’t tell anyone about this until I have risen from the dead’. That threw them for a loop as they had no idea what he meant by rising from the dead, despite having been told many times before. Those disciples were a bit thick at times!
The message for us today is equally clear. We can be a bit thick at times also. Listen to him! The Son of Man has risen! We are free to talk and tell everyone about the beautiful, playful and wonderful God we can call our dad! Let’s revel in that freedom and do just that!
Dear Dad, I love your unconventional approach to meeting people where they are and showing them what it means to be loved. Please help me to show those people you place in my path the joy of knowing you. Please give me the words that they need to hear from you. Amen.
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