No one but Jesus
Mark 9:8 “When they looked around, they saw no one but Jesus.”
Think for a moment of the special or memorable events in your life and what do you remember about those special times? Perhaps as you remember your confirmation, graduation, wedding, family trips and other special events and you review them in your mind you think of people who were there and the places where those special events occurred. There is certainly nothing wrong with remembering people and places. But think for a moment of how very likely people have also failed you or let you down.
Before we begin another Lenten season on Wednesday with Ash Wednesday, the Christian Church observes the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus’ Transfiguration was that marvelous event where Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain and they got to spend some time with two of the great figures of the Old Testament – Moses and Elijah. Think about what that was like! If that was not enough, Jesus gave them a brief glimpse of his full power and glory which blinded them. It is no surprise that Peter wanted to capture that moment and have enjoy it for a while as he wanted to put up three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah and have that special time continue. But as quickly as it happened, it was over and then Mark concludes his record of the Transfiguration with the our verse for this week – “When they looked around, they saw no one but Jesus.”
Why does Mark put things that way? God wanted the disciples to remember first and foremost Jesus in all of his power and glory. We need to remember that the disciples had had several years of seeing Jesus perform miracles and be there to support them in difficult times such as when they were caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee. But lately Jesus had begun to tell his disciples that the time was coming close for him to die and then he would return to heaven and they wouldn’t see him anymore. As they saw him arrested, scourged, crucified and die, Jesus wanted his disciples to have imbedded in their minds the glimpse of his full glory which they had seen and that that would reassure them that he was still God and was in control of things.
How easily when things get difficult we focus on the people or places around us and are told to “let the good memories you have cheer you up.” You quickly realize that good memories don’t conquer fears or soothe grief. Jesus alone is the one who can give us true and lasting comfort, support and peace.
The reminder which Mark gives us as we again celebrate the Transfiguration is a good reminder for us in every stage and situation of life. While we will continue to have special people and places in our lives, they do not have the power to carry us through all the situations of life. As we head into another Lenten season and then move on to face the rest of life above all else may we hold on to and remember “no one but Jesus.”