提要
今天的經文包括了耶穌改變形像的故事，醫治被鬼附的男孩，門徒爭論誰為大，耶穌解釋誰是抵擋祂的、誰是幫助祂的；最後，耶穌讓我們看見信仰與行為一致的重要性，特別是我們在孩子面前的榜樣。但我最有興趣的還是耶穌改變形像的故事。
耶穌帶著彼得、雅各、和約翰上了一座高山（可能是以色列北邊的黑門山）。在那裡，耶穌、以利亞及摩西一同顯現在他們面前；聖經告訴我們，祂的衣服放光，極其潔白，世上沒有一個人能漂得那樣白。我們在這裡所形容的不是一種反射光，乃是從耶穌身上發出來的光。不論從哪個角度來說，這都是一次千真萬確的變像──一個完全的蛻變。彼得、雅各、和約翰也都看到了前所未見的耶穌。這是上帝兒子真實本質的彰顯，現在祂以此形像坐在天父上帝的右邊，當末日祂再來時，人也會看見祂的這個真面目。
彼得、雅各、和約翰皆不知所措，此情此景對他們的衝擊太大，只有彼得勉強說得出話來。而且，可以預料得到，他的主意純屬人意。「讓我們在這裡搭三座棚：一座為您，一座為摩西，一座為以利亞！」換句話說，彼得是想「讓我們組織起來」，「讓我們化此剎那為永恆」，「讓我們將這個大場面保存起來」，「讓我們根據這個事件推出一場宗教運動」！
就在這時，耶穌聽見有聲音說：「這是我的愛子，你們要聽祂。」就像耶穌受洗時一樣，天父上帝在這裡再次證實耶穌對自己的宣稱。然後，突然間，以利亞和摩西不見了。耶穌囑咐門徒不要對人提這件事，至少在祂還沒有從死裡復活以前不要告訴人。三個門徒這次的確守口如瓶──至少一時目瞪口呆，也吐不出半個字。那時他們滿腦子只在想「從死裡復活」是什麼意思，特別是與他們剛看見的那一幕的關係──摩西死了，以利亞死了，但現在他們活著，而耶穌與這些會發光的生命體同在！你想究竟發生了什麼事﹖耶穌還沒有死怎麼就能變像呢﹖祂的死又將代表什麼意義呢﹖
他們一點也不知道，耶穌將要經歷的死亡將使墳墓洞開，為所有相信的人打開通往永生上帝之門。
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Overview
Today’s reading includes the story of Jesus as well as a healing of a boy with an evil spirit. It also includes a discussion of who is the greatest among the disciples, and a comment from Jesus on who’s with Him and who’s against Him. It concludes with a look at the importance of consistent living, especially as it relates to one’s example to children. But it’s the story of the transfiguration that captures my interest.
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him onto a high mountain (probably Mount Hermon in the north of Israel). There He appears before them with Elijah and Moses, and we read that His clothes become dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. We are talking here, not about a reflection of light from Jesus, but rather a light emanating from Him. In every sense of the word, this is a transfiguration, a metamorphosis – a total change. And Peter, James, and John see Jesus as no man had ever seen Him before. This is what theologians call a “Christophany”, or a manifestation of the Son of God in His true nature as He will be seen on the last day and as He appears now at the right hand of God the Father.
Peter, James, and John could hardly handle it. They were so overwhelmed that the only one who could find words to say was Peter. And, predictably, he says something very human. “Let us put up three shelters: one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah!” In other words, let’s get organized. Let’s perpetuate this experience. Let’s package it. Let’s make it a basis for a religious movement!
While this is happening, Jesus hears a voice saying, “This is My Son whom I love. Listen to Him.” Here, God the Father, just as at Jesus’ baptism, again affirms Jesus’ claims. Then, suddenly, Elijah and Moses disappear. Jesus encourages His disciples to say nothing about this, at least until He rises from the dead. And for once they do keep it to themselves – at least for the time begin. But for now, they are captivated with what “rising from the dead” means, especially as it relates to what they have just seen – Moses was dead, Elijah was dead, now they live, and Jesus keeps company with theses shining beings! Whatever do you suppose is going on? How can Jesus appear transfigured when He’s not dead yet? What will His death mean?
Little did they know that the very death Jesus was about to undergo would result in an open grave, which would become the open window for all men and women of faith to enter into the very presence of the eternal Father.
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