The Lord of the Mountain | Mark 9:1-13
In almost all superhero stories, the heroes have secret identities. Bruce Wayne (Batman), Clark Kent (Superman), Tony Stark (Ironman) and Peter Parker (Spiderman). They took on characteristics that appeared to be the opposite of who they truly were. Only those closest to them, did they reveal their real identities to; other than that, they hid their true self to display just an ordinary figure. Why would they spend so much energy? It protected them from the legal ramifications of their crime fighting actions and the pressure of public scrutiny. It allowed them to live a normal life and they didn’t have run around in the costume all the time. It also protected their friends and loved ones from harm from their enemies. They get to live a normal life among ordinary, everyday people, to understand their hopes and fears and come to their rescue when they needed it. Jesus is the ultimate superhero who came to rescue us from our sin.
Chapter 9 is a turning point in Mark’s gospel. Up to this point, Mark has told us who Jesus is, but now he is going to tell us why Jesus came. In the first half, we see that Jesus is both God and man, the eternal King. He is forgiveness, rest, power and love. Yet, there are still a lot of questions of how it is possible. But as soon as Peter confesses that “You are the Christ.” Jesus immediately tells them that He has to suffer and die. They are confused so Jesus teaches them. In the first half, Jesus called people to follow him; in the second half, He teaches what following Him looks like. As Jesus takes up a cross, believers must do the same. As the cross and glory are linked in His life, so the cross and glory are linked to our lives. In the Transfiguration, we see Jesus’ glory on the mountain, His grace for the valley, and a glimpse into our future.