Mk 9:2-13
Transfiguration: Mark’s account of the transfiguration of Jesus functions as a re-commissioning scene. At his baptism by John, Jesus of Nazareth witnesses the opening of the heavens and hears the voice which declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (1:11). At his transfiguration, Jesus is re-commissioned as the “Son of Man,” the rejected, suffering, put-to-death, and will-be-raised-to-life Messiah. “This is my beloved Son,” the voice from the cloud declares. “Listen to him” (v 7). Hence, Jesus’ divinity is re-affirmed, but a new story line is begun for the last half of the Gospel.
The place for the “event” is a high mountain. Two famous “mountain climbers” appear with Jesus. Moses received the law on Mount Sinai, and Elijah heard the tiny, whispering voice there. Both were sent back down the mountain to God’s people to teach them and to lead them. Hence, Mark is stating that Jesus represents both the law and the prophets.
The reader should not miss the three sets of three which appear in the account. Peter, James and John—three persons—accompany Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—three more persons—and Peter wants to make three tents. Three signifies that a theophany is taking place; God is revealing himself.