BCP - Keep it like a Secret...

"As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead."

Two weeks ago we read all about the leper who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Jesus told him sternly to say nothing, go wash, and show the Priests. The leper did not obey.

Cf. Mark's version of the Transfiguration. Mark is all about the secret. Jesus is again ordering (telling sternly) those who have seen great things, to keep it quiet. This time, it seems, Peter, James, and John obey the command (good for them since God himself said, "listen to him!"). But even for Mark, who loves this Messianic Secret, there is a time and a place to share to amazing works of Jesus Christ. Wait until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead, Jesus commands them. As if seeing Moses and Elijah chilling with Jesus on a mountain weren't enough. As if hearing the voice of God come from the clouds wasn't enough. Jesus caps off this event by again setting forth the premise of his resurrection.

Go build those tents Peter, cuz this is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the 2nd half of Jesus ministry things are going to get even wierder. You are going to leave the Jesus you saw Transfigured to die on a cross. You are going to see him risen from the dead (Mat 28). You are going to see him ascend into heaven (Luk 24). You are going to be the Rock upon which the Body of Christ remains incarnate on earth (Mat 16). But until you see the Son of Man risen from the dead, please keep what you have seen quiet.

Peter, the do-gooder that he is, keeps the secret. It is not until after Jesus is risen that the story of the Transfiguration makes into Mark or the 2nd letter of Peter. Peter knows the power of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter knows that he is the Messiah. Peter knows, but Peter listens and obeys. Today I know. I may not have experienced the jaw-dropping events that Peter has, but I've experienced the power of God in Jesus Christ. Now I must be willing to listen and obey. Now that the Son of Man has risen, I must be willing to shout it out "like a lamp shining in a dark place." For Jesus Christ is the Star of the Morning. He has fulfilled that which was begun in people like Moses and Elijah. No go, tell it out!