“Rabbi, it is good that we are here.” Mark 9:5
Jesus shows us two reasons for taking up our cross and following Him. The first reason is that we see Christ’s glory. Here is the second reason.
We share Christ’s work
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here” (9:5).
Peter’s instinct is to try and hold onto the moment of the transfiguration. He doesn’t want this glimpse of Christ’s glory to end. That’s our natural instinct, but it’s not going to happen.
Jesus leads Peter, James, and John down the mountain, where they find the other disciples trying to help a young person whose life has been gripped by a demonic power. Jesus rebukes the evil spirit, and the boy is delivered.
Put these two stories together and we learn something important: Peter, James, and John are rejoicing in the glory of Jesus at the top of the mountain. But at the bottom of the mountain is a world of great need.
The greatest temptation is to sit around savoring the joy of our experience of Christ while the world convulses in torment and in desperate need of His saving power.
The disciples follow Him not only because they have seen His glory but also because they share His work. They have a calling. They have a trust. They have a ministry.
Christ did not endure the agonies of Golgotha to make us comfortable. If we are God’s people, we are called to His work. We are trusted with great responsibility.
Christ leads us up the mountain to show us His glory. Then He leads us down the mountain to send us out into the world.
If you have seen the brightness of Christ’s glory, what are you doing about the darkness that is all around you?
