The Unveiled Christ

Mark 9:1-8

On February 12, 2018, the officially commissioned portraits of former President Obama and First Lady Michele were unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The portraits now hang in the Smithsonian-operated Museum, where a complete collection of previous presidential portraits also hangs.

Imagine the anticipation in the room as two large portraits, shrouded in black cloth, stand at the front. A crowd of dignitaries, their eyes fixed on the platform, awaits the moment. After a brief speech by the master of ceremonies, the cloth is pulled away from the portraits, revealing the paintings to the public for the first time. The subjects of the portraits are then invited to address the attendees, adding a personal touch to the unveiling. This personal touch, this connection, is what we will experience as we delve into the unveiling of Christ. It’s not just a distant event but a moment that invites us to be part of it, to feel the connection with Christ.

Commemorative plaques in churches and other public buildings are often unveiled similarly. Sometimes, when a new business is opened, the Grand Opening includes unveiling the company logo or signage.

Unveilings are more than just a modern tradition. They have a deep-rooted significance in the Scriptures. God unveiled His glory to Moses on Mount Sinai and Elijah on Mount Horeb. Jacob experienced an “unveiling” when he discovered that the wife he thought was Rachel was her sister, Leah. However, perhaps the most dramatic biblical unveiling was the rending of the Temple veil at Jesus’ death, a moment that changed the course of history.

Our text for today, Mark 9:1-8, records a scene I’ve titled “The Unveiled Christ.” In this moment, the curtain of mystery was briefly drawn aside, revealing Christ in all His glory. Like a fleeting glimpse of a shooting star, this transformative unveiling left an indelible mark on the disciples and continues to inspire us as His disciples now.

This unveiling was not just a moment in history but a catalyst for transformation, inspiring us to follow in the footsteps of the unveiled Christ. We will explore the profound impact this brief unveiling had on Jesus’ disciples then and us as His disciples now and how it can inspire and transform us today, igniting a fire of faith and devotion within us. The power of this unveiling is not just in the past, but it continues to inspire and transform us, igniting a fire of faith and devotion within us.

It is crucial that you, as His disciple, follow along and listen carefully as I read the Holy Scripture, Mark 9:1-8. Your understanding and engagement with the text are not just important; they are critical to our collective learning and growth. Your insights and reflections are integral to our journey.  

In this text, we see several PARTICULARS related to the unveiling of Christ. Observe them with me; each detail holds significant meaning and contributes to our understanding of this pivotal event.

The First PARTICULAR is,

            His Announcement

            If we go back to the final verses of Mark chapter eight, we find these words: “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

            First, notice who Jesus speaks to: the people with His disciples. This is not just the Twelve. The wording of verse 38 clarifies that Jesus is talking about His Second Coming. When He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels, it will be to establish His eternal rule over all the kingdoms of this world.

In verse one of our text, He introduces a different idea. “And He said to them, Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God [having come] with power.” Notice that I changed the wording a bit near the end of the sentence. I did that to reflect the original grammar better. The event Jesus speaks about in verse one must differ from the event in chapter 8, verse 38. He is informing the people about one of two things: the Transfiguration (just a few days later) or Pentecost (about eight months later) – perhaps both.

We must also consider the larger context of this passage. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ in 8:29 is like the hinge of Mark’s Gospel. Everything before the confession leads up to it; everything after it flows from it. Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah was accurate, but his knowledge of what that meant was not. As we’ll see in future studies, Jesus repeatedly tries to break through the Jewish people’s stereotypical understanding of the Messiah.

So, the announcement of verse one sets the stage for the particular recorded next.

The Next PARTICULAR is,

            His Appearance

            Here is a blank of six days in the narrative. What happened during those days? In light of the last verses of chapter eight, we can assume that Jesus instructed His disciples on the necessity of His suffering and death. In that quiet, semi-Gentile area around Caesarea Philippi, free from the biting criticism and interruption of the Pharisees, Jesus could best teach, and the disciples best learn, the terrible mystery of His suffering. It was a lesson they were hesitant to embrace.  

            After six days (Alfred Edersheim suggests it was the evening after the Sabbath), Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to accompany Him “into a high mountain apart by themselves.” Luke adds that Jesus went there to pray. Most Bible scholars identify the location as one of the ridges of the snow-capped Mount Hermon, close to the region of Caesarea Philippi.

            In that remote setting, Jesus was transfigured before the three disciples. The original word is metamorphoo, and it is used only four times in the New Testament: twice in our text and once each in Romans 12:2 and Second Corinthians 3:18. We get our English word metamorphosis from it, meaning transformation from one thing to another.

Jesus’ clothing became radiant and intensely white like lightning, more than any launderer could bleach it. This was the Shekinah glory, a visible manifestation of God in the natural world. Here, the deity of Jesus briefly broke through the limitations of His humanity.

In this cloud of glory, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of both. What were they talking about? Luke tells us that they were talking about Jesus’ coming exodus or departure, which would be accomplished in Jerusalem. This was a clear reminder that suffering precedes glory. We don’t have any indication that Peter and the others knew what Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were discussing.

Jesus’ death would achieve “the exodus” in its fullness, which Moses only achieved in type when he led the people out of Egypt. Jesus would bring deliverance from bondage, which would not be physical but spiritual. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension would fulfill the Law and the Prophets and provide inner power by the Holy Spirit to live above the Law.

After observing the three men talking together, Peter speaks up. (Mark omits the details about Peter, James, and John sleeping!) “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here, and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter and the others were afraid, very afraid. They didn’t know what to say, but Peter spoke anyway. Fear can lead us to say things that don’t make sense.

Why would you build booths here? Is this another attempt by Satan to tempt Jesus to evade the cross? “Let’s not go anywhere, Jesus; let’s stay right here!” Now it’s true, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was soon to be celebrated. Why is that significant, and how do Peter’s words relate to that feast?

            God commanded the Feast of Booths in Leviticus chapter 23 to remind the children of Israel of their wanderings in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt and how God provided daily manna for their food. God prevented their clothes and shoes from wearing out, and He dwelt in the Tabernacle among His people. The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night assured the people of His presence.

            Peter was looking back; Jesus was looking ahead. The Feast of Tabernacles was about to be fulfilled. Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about His exodus. Jesus was about to fulfill the types contained in the Feast of Tabernacles. In contrast to the manna of the wilderness, Jesus would provide Himself as the Living Bread, which came down from Heaven.

            Furthermore, He was about to give all true believers a robe of righteousness that would never grow old or wear out. Jesus promised in the Sermon on the Mount that He would care for our physical needs, but they were not and are not His primary focus. The robe of righteousness provided by His sacrifice would allow every individual, not just the High Priest, to enter the very presence of God Himself at any time. It would enable God to tabernacle within us by His Holy Spirit. Peter couldn’t see this possibility. Even today, we only grasp its reality through faith.

            The Feast of Tabernacles also looks forward to the 1000-year Messianic Kingdom when Jesus dwells in and rules from Jerusalem.  It will be a time when all the nations learn of the great things that happen when people follow the ways of the God of Israel.  Consequently, shalom (peace) will spread out from Jerusalem, the Great City, and eventually encompass the world. All these facts confirmed the infallibility and reliability of the Scriptures. Peter, John, and James were given a glimpse of the kingdom of God. They saw the glory promised to those who would lay down their lives to follow Christ and proclaim His message.

            The glimpse of glory that these three disciples saw was fleeting. It was only for a few moments and only for a few select people. However, today, every child of God can experience that glory, as Paul writes in Second Corinthians 3:16-18. ^“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

            In other words, you and I are being transformed into the image of Christ as we behold God’s glory! The more we gaze on God’s greatness and Jesus’s majesty, the greater our transformation into His likeness.

            And Jesus prayed that you and I would experience that glory. Here are His words from John 17:20-23. “I do not pray for these alone (His current disciples), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

            Have you seen Jesus in His glory? Is that possible? Yes, it is most likely not identical to the scene described here. How do we behold His glory today? The Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Take time to sit quietly and observe a sunrise or sunset, the rushing of a waterfall, or the quietness of field and forest. Soak in the beauty and glory of the Creator, God.

            Further, read the Scriptures and especially the Gospels. Take time to ponder the miracles and the teachings of Jesus. Take to heart His invitation in John 14:23, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” If Jesus and His Father make their home in you, you will see His glory – and so will those who see you. The appearance of the unveiled Christ will transform you from the inside out.

The Final PARTICULAR is,

            His Affirmation

            Amid all this excitement and Peter’s confused ramblings, the Shekinah glory cloud overshadows them. This same word is used of the Holy Spirit, “overshadowing” Mary and leading to the conception of Jesus.

            And out of this bright cloud, a voice speaks, “This is My Son, the Beloved; hear Him!” What affirmation and confirmation. Affirmation = this is my Son! Confirmation = the Beloved One; listen to Him! It’s like God was telling Peter, “Be quiet and listen!” How often have you and I spoken thoughtlessly when we should’ve been quiet?

            Then, suddenly, as Peter, James, and John looked around, they no longer saw anyone, only Jesus with them. Imagine what was going through their minds, trying to process what they had just seen and heard. It was incredible!

            Would you have liked to have been there on the mountain? I would have! And yet, we have the testimony of one present at that event that there is a greater witness to the unveiled Christ. Here is what he wrote in his second epistle.

            “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. (our text)

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as the Holy Spirit moved them.”

Has Christ been unveiled to you? Do you know Him personally? Do you believe His announcement that the kingdom has come and is coming? Yes, that is possible. The Incarnation unveiled Christ and the introduction of His kingdom. His kingdom is here, but not in its fullness. That awaits the future.

Have you seen the appearance of His glory – in nature, in the face of another human being, in the pages of Holy Scripture? Have you been thrilled at the realization that He lives within you in the person of His Holy Spirit? It’s true, at the moment, “…we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known.”

Are you listening to the command of the Father, “This is My Son, the Beloved, hear Him.” Jesus prayed for you and me in John 17; “Sanctifythem by Your truth. Your word is truth.” As you and I grow in our love for and obedience to our Heavenly Father, we will receive a clearer picture of the unveiled Christ! I pray that is your heart’s desire and mine!