² Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain.
There his appearance was changed before their eyes. ³ Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them.
⁴ Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus.
⁵ Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah".
⁶ For he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe.
⁷ But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came this word, " This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to Him".
⁸ And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them.
⁹ As they came down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man be risen from the dead.
¹⁰ So they kept this to themselves, although they discussed with one another what 'to rise from the dead' could mean.

• Mathew , Luke, and Mark all report the Transfiguration in a similar way. "Jesus took" Peter, James, and John to the mountain. All three also add a simple phrase, "with him" (v.2). The disciples are traveling "with him" on a journey. The disciples must always travel "with him," especially when it is a journey to the cross.
• Verse 2 described the transfiguration as occuring "after six days." Mark is usually not precise when it comes to time. This may be a reference to the incomplete creation, awaiting its "seventh day," or the time required for purification before entering heaven (Exodus 24:16).
• Jesus' clothes shone before their eyes (v.3). The original Greek described these garments as "whiter, as the bleach of earth is not powerful so to whiten." In other words, this is not an earthly event, only heaven can provide such glory.
• The disciples did not understand Jesus messages. First Peter wanted to build three tents, because "he did not know what to say" (v.6). Then they argued among themselves what "to rise from the dead" meant (v.10).

On their journey to Jerusalem, where Jesus would be crucified, the disciples were shown Jesus' glory. The transfiguration reveals Jesus true identity and anticipates his resurrection. It is also an anticipation for those who follow Him: "if we have died with Christ, we believe we will also live with Him."

1. On my journey through life, do I let Jesus travel with me? Do I let Jesus' words guide me, as the Father has instructed, "listen to Him?"
2. In times of distress, where do I place my hope to help me through the sufferings, to help me carry my cross?

Enter Reader's Response or View Reader's Response this week
A synthesis by the Vietnamese Christian Life (Dong Hanh) Community