GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 9-5
No Three Tabernacles
There are events that pass too rapidly. It would be nice to hold on to them as long as possible—the first date with Alice, the high school graduation, the first service as the new pastor, the university graduations… But, alas, all that remains of these events is pictures, some diary entries, and memories.
Three of the Gospel writers describe the momentous occasion usually called “The Transfiguration,” and each writer adds interesting details from his own perspective. Mark said, “And answering, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. So let us make three tabernacles—one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” (Mark 9:5) Each writer, though, said that Peter used a different word in his address to the transfigured Jesus—Lord, Rabbi, and Master. Luke said that “As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said…” (Luke 9:33) This unexplainable event was another confirmation of Jesus’ teaching and prophecies. It was something that Peter likely wanted to hold on to as long as possible, so he suggested building tabernacles for them—a completely understandable suggestion. But then they were immersed in a thick cloud, out of which a voice confirmed Jesus’ divine mission. This was not to be a stopping point; the mission was incomplete, so there would be no tabernacles—no stopping point.
A life of faith doesn’t stop at the moment of the new birth, or baptism, or communion. These are all momentous occasions, like Peter’s experience on the mountain. But there is a whole life of faith still to live ahead. So, while the wonderful experiences are to be enjoyed, they are growing events, confirming anew the living Christ.
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