Mark chapter nine is an interesting section of the Bible. Mark is best known for writing the most concise account of Jesus’ life, based on Peter’s preaching. Mark’s accounts come primarily from Peter’s firsthand eyewitness accounts and interactions with Jesus during His time on earth. Mark, therefore can be seen as an extremely credible source and his writings can be seen as an authentic account of Jesus’ ministry. Chapter nine begins with a prophecy from Jesus about his coming death and how that fulfills his duty. However, Jesus places the jargon in language that not all can understand exactly what he is saying. The story of the transfiguration immediately ensues. Jesus, Peter, James and John up a mountain so they can be in solitude. There a rather interesting and unusual experience occurs. Jesus is transfigured in the presence of the three disciples. Peter, James and John are petrified by what is happening right before their very eyes. Jesus “became dazzling white.” Suddenly Moses and Elijah miraculously appeared before them. Peter, James and John did not know what to do as Elijah and Moses conversed with Jesus. Then all of a sudden a cloud encased them and a voice came from the cloud and God spoke to them. The voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Abruptly all that was surrounding the men disappeared and everything was back to normal. The three men and Jesus went back down the mountain back to society. As they were coming down Jesus told the others not to say a word about what just happened until after the resurrection of the Son of Man. Mark says that the men kept the matter to themselves but they conversed what exactly Jesus meant by “rising form the dead.” The three disciples asked Jesus about the end times and the coming of the Messiah. And Jesus responded basically that all the prophecies have been fulfilled for the Me...
