Our Gospel lesson is Mark 9:2-9, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here; let’s make three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he did not know how to reply; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!” And suddenly they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead.
Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the mountaintop and they experienced something no one else had. Jesus shared something special with them for His purpose, but they were overwhelmed by what they saw. Then “He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead” (v. 9).
Why wouldn’t He want them to say anything about this? Because at that time, it was for them alone and no one else would see the meaning of the experience. Jesus gives us lessons and gifts that we may not understand immediately, but there is a purpose behind each thing we are taught.
One of our blessings from Christ is the things He shares with us and we respond through our obedience to His instructions. Jesus knows us each individually and all of us as a whole. While we may not see the benefit of His lessons and gifts right now, we can be sure He has given us what we need to carry on His ministry.
Loving Lord, we are humbled that You want us to be part of Your plan. Help us to receive Your gifts, accept the call You place on our lives and go to share Your love with everyone. Amen.