Mennonite Weekly Review

Have you ever been a witness in a court case? I have not, nor have I even attended a trial of any kind, though some years ago my husband was called as a witness in a traffic fatality trial. Eyewitness testimony in any court case can be key in swaying the decision one way or the other.

Dueckman

“Who do you say that I am?” was the question Jesus asked the disciples in last week’s lesson. With the mountaintop transfiguration experience, evidence mounts as to Jesus’ identity. And Jesus has not one, but three earthly witnesses here to whom he chooses to reveal this truth.

Let’s suppose that Peter, James and John have been called to testify about their experience on the mountaintop with Jesus. What questions would they be asked? Probably “What did you see?” “What did you feel?” “What did you hear?” “Was anyone else there?” “Who do you think Jesus is?”

Transformation and revelation

What they saw was Jesus transformed before their very eyes, his face and clothing dazzlingly bright, like the sun. Although they might not have believed it themselves, their own eyes would also have seen Elijah (representing the prophets) and Moses (representing the law) standing beside Jesus. This could only have been made known to them by divine revelation; after all, they would not have known what Elijah and Moses looked like! It is also worth noting that when Moses himself came down from the mountain after receiving the law, his face also shone like the sun (Ex. 34:29).

The disciples would have felt overwhelmed, and Peter, apparently nervous, blurts out the first thing that comes to mind. His attempt at hospitality, suggesting that tents or dwellings be erected for the distinguished visitors, shows this. Peter interprets this mountaintop experience as the culmination of Jesus’ ministry, and he wants it to last forever. He does not yet know that glory cannot be attained without taking up the cross.

Their ears would have heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” These are essentially the same words that came from heaven to affirm Jesus at his baptism (Matt. 3:17).

At this moment the disciples realize that they are indeed in the presence and majesty of the Most High, and they fall on the ground in awe. But Jesus touches them and bids them rise, much as he has with many he has healed. And Moses and Elijah appear no more.

A glimpse of glory

Jesus’ glory is revealed here for these three disciple witnesses, from earthly to heavenly glory and back again. The word “glory” does not appear in this passage, but it permeates the story. Jesus’ place in the history of Israel is cemented through Moses and Elijah appearing at his side. The glory of the present is revealed through the words that come down from the heavens, “This is my beloved Son.” And we also get a glimpse of Jesus’ future glory before he ascends into heaven.

The group comes down from the mountain, having witnessed a change in Jesus — and having felt themselves changed also. Can there be any doubt in their minds now as to who Jesus really is?

Amy Dueckman, a former staff writer for Mennonite Weekly Review, works for Canadian Mennonite and Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia and is a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C.