MARK - My Words (10)

 

“Listen to this”, Jesus continued, “People here right now will see the world being restored as the Creator intended from the start!”

Six days later Jesus was with Peter, James, and John, and they climbed up a high mountain to be alone.  Jesus’ friends were amazed to see Jesus shine with light.  Two people appeared also.  These were Elijah and Moses of old, and they talked together.  Peter was overwhelmed and called out, “This is incredible.  Let’s build some shrines on this spot to honour you three.”  Peter was delirious.  Then a cloud appeared overhead and a voice could be heard saying “This is my child.  Listen to what he says.”  And then it was all over. 

Later, as they descended, Jesus told his friends to keep quiet about what they had just seen until the Creator’s chosen one had been brought back to life.  They were very much confused by this, but did as Jesus asked them. 

Jesus’ friends knew what had been foretold:  before the world could be put right, Elijah would return.  “This is true” agreed Jesus, “and Elijah has come many times, but the leaders never recognise him.  It’s been like this for a while.  As predicted, the Creator’s chosen one is treated with the same contempt.”

On returning to the town, they found a large group of people already waiting.  Jesus could see that some of the town officials were there also.  A man stepped forward with his son, and Jesus could see that there was disquiet in the crowd.  “Sir”, said the man, “Your friends said they could make my son well, but nothing’s happened.” 

With a tone of exasperation in Jesus’ voice, seeing how little the people seemed to comprehend his significance.  Jesus approached the boy. “How long has it been this way?”  He asked.  “Since a little lad”, said the father.  “He has often been close to death as the attack comes on him at any time.  I thought you might be able to make him well.”  

“Do you believe that I can heal your son?” Asked Jesus.  “Well, I do”, replied the father, “but forgive my doubts.”  Jesus held out his hand and told the boy to be well.  At that moment the boy fell into a terrifying fit, and the people gasped and drew back.  Then the boy was still, and the people whispered ‘it’s too late. He’s dead.’  But Jesus took the boy by the hand, and he stood up, exhausted but fulling fit and well.

Later Jesus’ friends asked him why their prayers did not seem to be good enough.  Ah, said Jesus, this situation requires much intersession and sacrifice.

It's the father of a young boy who gets it right.  Of course there is a lot to take in.  It's all pretty crazy.  It's as if the major stories of life are being enacted in front of my eye, and I'm missing it.  "What did he say?  What did that means?  Just do that bit again."

But the events just keep happening and you have to try to keep up. 

Why could Jesus' friends not help the boy and his father?  Well, it's not magic.  Things that go against the natural order are rare, and let's not make assumptions about them.  Peter, James and John experienced something extraordinary.  We can too.  But please also forgive my doubts.