Chapter 46—He Was Transfigured
This chapter is based on
Matthew 17:1-8
;
Mark 9:2-8
;
Luke 9:28-36
.
Evening is drawing on as Jesus calls to His side three of His
disciples, Peter, James, and John, and leads them across the fields,
and far up a rugged path, to a lonely mountainside. The Saviour and
His disciples have spent the day in traveling and teaching, and the
mountain climb adds to their weariness. Christ has lifted burdens from
mind and body of many sufferers; He has sent the thrill of life through
their enfeebled frames; but He also is compassed with humanity, and
with His disciples He is wearied with the ascent.
The light of the setting sun still lingers on the mountain top, and
gilds with its fading glory the path they are traveling. But soon the
light dies out from hill as well as valley, the sun disappears behind the
western horizon, and the solitary travelers are wrapped in the darkness
of night. The gloom of their surroundings seems in harmony with their
sorrowful lives, around which the clouds are gathering and thickening.
The disciples do not venture to ask Christ whither He is going, or
for what purpose. He has often spent entire nights in the mountains in
prayer. He whose hand formed mountain and valley is at home with
nature, and enjoys its quietude. The disciples follow where Christ
leads the way; yet they wonder why their Master should lead them up
this toilsome ascent when they are weary, and when He too is in need
of rest.
Presently Christ tells them that they are now to go no farther.
Stepping a little aside from them, the Man of Sorrows pours out His
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supplications with strong crying and tears. He prays for strength to
endure the test in behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain a fresh
hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He contemplate the future.
And He pours out His heart longings for His disciples, that in the hour
of the power of darkness their faith may not fail. The dew is heavy
upon His bowed form, but He heeds it not. The shadows of night
gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom. So the hours
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