December 9 Say Nothing?

Luke 9:29-35 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.
 
We look at the entire description of Jesus’ Transfiguration to answer a question, “Why would disciples have “told no one what they had seen”?  You and I would be eager to tell our friends of this “mountain-top experience” wouldn’t we?
   Here is one lesson in understanding the Bible: The obvious may not be obvious. As we read Scripture, our first understanding is usually based on what we know and have experienced. For example, we have learned, “Tell others about Jesus.” But the disciples did not tell. Are they disobedient disciples?  
   The best place to understand the Bible is to often use the “Bible proving the Bible” method. This passage is a good example of this method. With some research (A study Bible will likely have this reference.) we learn Mark also describes the Transfiguration with some added details: Mark 9:9-10 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
   Now we know why the disciples did not tell. They were being good disciples, obedient to Jesus’ order. Jesus apparently gave the instructions because the disciples did not completely understand what they had seen. Luke 9:33 records Peter’s confusion of the events, and we see that the three did not understand the concept of Jesus’ rising from the dead. They could not accurately tell of what they did not know.
   Jesus knew the disciples needed to personally experience more than Jesus’ glory on the mountain. To explain their experience and to be believed, they and the other disciples would first have to come face-to-face with the glory of the crucified, risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ. In this full knowledge of Jesus, they all could then faithfully and consistently proclaim to the nations, “Jesus is alive! He is Savior. He is coming again.”
   One thought: Sometimes we say, “I don’t know enough of God.” as a reason to “tell no one” what we have seen of Jesus. Yes, it is good for us to discern our understanding of God before we speak of him. Yet, we are commanded to tell the gospel. I encourage you to know the essential gospel truth. Understand the gospel – the good news – defines the Father, Son and Spirit saving mankind out of eternal death and into eternal life.
   Understand some basic ways to defend your Lord. The best way is to tell of your personal experiences with him. You will have many of these to share as you faithfully walk with him. Tell what you personally know of Jesus, then leave it to the Holy Spirit to do the rest as he has done for you.      
 
Prayer: I pray, Father, for each one of us to be confident to speak of you. Inspire us to confidently speak of our daily walk with you. Amen.