Mark Part 9: The Transfiguration Of The Heart

Can you believe it's been quite a ride since we kicked off this adventure at the beginning of the year? If you've been following along, you know that Mark isn't just about the words of Jesus but also about his actions—his works that speak volumes about who he is.

So, let's do a quick recap of where we've been and where we're headed. In the past weeks, we've uncovered layers of understanding about Jesus. We've seen him not just as a promised Messiah for Israel but as the Savior of the world, a servant King who flips the script on what royalty means. He's our guide, leading us through the waters of baptism, echoing the journey of Moses and Joshua but ultimately leading us to new life.

Then, there's the revelation that Jesus is our Sabbath rest, ushering in a new covenant that includes all of humanity, forming a new family known as the church. We've marveled at how a small band of disciples grew into a global family over two millennia, and we've learned what it truly means to be adopted into this family through the teachings and training of Jesus.

Last week, we hit a pivotal moment when Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" It's a question that still reverberates through the ages, challenging us to make a choice that will shape our lives for eternity.

And now, we stand at the threshold of another significant moment: the Transfiguration. This isn't just a flashy party trick or a cool magic show. It's a profound revelation that ties together the threads of the Hebrew Bible with the life and mission of Jesus.

You see, from the very beginning, humanity was created in the image of God—the imago Dei. But sin tarnished that image, leading us astray from our intended purpose of reflecting God's glory. Through the failures of priests and prophets, we lost sight of our true identity.

But then, along comes Jesus, the embodiment of God's glory in human form. In the Transfiguration, as Moses and Elijah fade away, Jesus stands alone as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He's not just another prophet or teacher—he's the shining reflection of God's glory, revealing to us our true identity as children of God.

And here's the best part: through Jesus, the veil is lifted. We no longer have to hide in shame or fear. Instead, we can boldly reflect God's glory in our lives, shining brightly as beacons of hope and love in a world filled with darkness.

So, as we continue on this journey through Mark, let's remember who we are and whose we are. Let's embrace our identity as shiny reflections of God's glory, letting his light shine through us in every word, deed, and thought.

And if you're feeling weighed down by shame or guilt, remember that Jesus came to set you free. His grace is more than enough to wash away your past and restore you to a right relationship with God. So, let go of the old and step into the new life he offers—a life filled with purpose, joy, and the radiant glow of his love.