The transfiguration is another brilliant reminder that God’s love is trying to get our attention. Some reflections on the Transfiguration of Jesus in Mark 9.

Last weekend, Pastor Jeff used an illustration to describe the way God gets the attention of those standing at the transfiguration of Jesus in Mark 9. It was his memory of the way his daughter would use both of her hands to grab her mother’s cheeks just to get her attention.

To put that endearing picture next to the story of God speaking to those standing at the transfiguration is a jarring (in a good way) perspective shift, casting light (pun intended) on how God draws us in to listen.

It’s easy for me hear the words “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7) and miss the affection in what is said. Unfortunately, I too often hear it as a word of condemnation for NOT listening — especially because Peter himself has been rebuked for struggling to hear rightly. (Mark 8:33)

But there is a holding of our faces warmth to these words from the clouds. It seems it’s more of a…

“Can you hear yet?”
“No.”
“What about now?”
“Not yet.”
“That’s okay. Keep listening! You will hear it soon.”

Even as they ascend the mountain (Mark 9:2), there is a generous affection on the part of Jesus. Like a shepherd leading his flock, he leads those he loves (including Peter) to a place he has previously gone alone. His including guidance is for their good. High on the mountain, he reveals himself through the connection of God’s faithful reputation (my quickest summary of the meet up with Elijah and Moses) and a light so bright that it seems to have more of an arousing effect than something that scares them away. So arresting, Peter doesn’t want the experience to stop.

And the words they hear from the clouds concerning the love for the Son continue a revelation of God’s love for THEM. Those who hear it will be better able to receive what Jesus has been saying about the cross (Mark 8:31) — that if it is anything at all, it is at least an expression of love for both Him and for them.

And this is the love that grabs our faces with childlike hands. The transfiguration is so bizarre. We can’t truly comprehend and wrap our minds around all that’s happening; which puts our deaf ears and blind eyes in the same light as the disciples and maybe even as Mark himself as he tells the story. And that’s OK.

Though the warmth of dazzling radiance is difficult to navigate, Jesus is the one who makes the deaf to hear and the blind to see with the touch of his hands. (Mark 8:23-25)

The man who shines in brightness on the mountain between two prophets is the same God who hangs in darkness between two thieves.

Somehow, with our deaf ears we are called to listen and “know this love that surpasses knowledge—that (we) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19) That we are invited into this fullness and to know this love that “is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12) is a profound mystery!

To know God’s love is to hear the voice that speaks from the cross as well as the clouds. Every one of us is called to hear that voice — and we will when we rightly receive his touch. Like a mother who gives full attention to her daughter, the childlike caressing of the Father will eventually draw our ears and eyes to listen to the Son that he loves. When we hear him rightly, we will freely follow the way of love that the beloved Son is all about.

At times His words may be be both hard to hear and hard for us to hear —but in our receiving of them we will find no better healing and no greater hope.