What is the meaning of Mark 9:5? Peter said to Jesus - In the dazzling aftermath of the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-4), Peter blurts out his response, consistent with his impetuous personality (Mark 8:32-33). - Matthew records the same scene, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord…’” (Matthew 17:4), underscoring that Peter directs his words to Jesus rather than to Moses or Elijah. - Luke adds that Peter “did not know what he was saying” (Luke 9:33), a gentle reminder that zeal unguided by understanding can miss God’s intent. “Rabbi” - By calling Jesus “Rabbi,” Peter confesses Jesus as his authoritative Teacher (Mark 1:17; John 1:49). - Even with Moses and Elijah present, Peter addresses only Jesus, hinting at Christ’s supremacy that the Father will soon confirm (Mark 9:7). - The title is respectful yet modest compared with the Father’s declaration, “This is My beloved Son” (Mark 9:7). “it is good for us to be here” - Peter thrills to stand in the manifest glory of Christ—“In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). - He tastes a foreglimpse of the kingdom glory later described in 2 Peter 1:16-18. - Still, the words reveal a wish to freeze the moment rather than follow Jesus back to the valley where the cross awaits (Mark 9:9-12). “Let us put up three shelters” - “Shelters” recalls the booths of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:42-43), which celebrated God dwelling with Israel and foreshadowed messianic hope (John 7:2). - Peter hopes to prolong the experience, erecting temporary shrines that might capture the glory. - His suggestion shows good intentions yet also human shortsightedness; God’s plan is not to preserve a mountain memory but to send His Son to redeem the world. “one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” - Moses embodies the Law; Elijah, the Prophets (Malachi 4:4-5). Together they witness to Jesus, the fulfillment of both (Luke 24:27; Matthew 5:17). - By proposing equal shelters, Peter unintentionally levels Jesus with His servants. The Father’s voice quickly corrects this: “Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7). - Hebrews 3:3 affirms, “Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses,” stressing Christ’s unmatched status. summary Peter’s heartfelt yet misdirected proposal springs from amazement at Christ’s unveiled glory. He recognizes the goodness of the moment but undervalues the exclusive supremacy of Jesus and overlooks the necessity of the impending cross. The passage invites us to savor Christ’s majesty, heed His voice above all others, and follow Him in obedient trust, knowing the full splendor of His kingdom will one day be ours to behold forever. |
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