Today's discussion question: Why do you think Jesus told the disciples not to tell?
(See also Mark 9:1-2.)
Why does Matthew begin this section with a time reference: "After six days...?" For now, we will set aside the bigger theological and literary discussion and consider Matthew's immediate intent. He wants us to look back in the story and realize that before they come to this mountain to witness the transfiguration, they spent six days thinking about Jesus' prediction of his death and his promise that some these disciples would still be alive to see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom (Matthew 16:21-28.)Peter has argued with Jesus and been rebuked. The disciples struggle to understand a Messiah who will die before evicting the Romans. They reel as they contrast the divine revelation given to Peter that Jesus is the Son of God with Jesus own prediction of his suffering. As Moses spent six days in the cloud (Exodus 24:15-16) so too, these disciples enter a cloud of not knowing. But that will all change.
On the mountain, the glory of the Lord alters the appearance of Jesus. God confirms his love for and pleasure with his son. He commands the disciples to listen. Matthew includes many similarities to the Sinai story in Exodus 24. Today, consider some of the differences. The disciples go to the summit with Jesus, but Moses enters the cloud alone. In a fiery cloud, Moses receives a long details about the construction of the tabernacle and worship. In a bright cloud God preempts Peter's suggestion to build "tabernacles" for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Like the Israelites the disciples fall in fear to their faces.
My breath is caught by what happens next. Jesus touches them. Every time Matthew uses the verb touch as an action of Jesus, someone receives healing. More than a prophet; more than a giver of law; Jesus brings the restoration of humankind.
Why would he want the disciples to keep that a secret?
Tell us about your hopes & goals for 40 Days 'Till Easter.
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