Chapter 47—Ministry
This chapter is based on
Matthew 17:9-21
;
Mark 9:9-29
;
Luke
9:37-45
.
The entire night had been passed in the mountain; and as the sun
arose, Jesus and His disciples descended to the plain. Absorbed in
thought, the disciples were awed and silent. Even Peter had not a word
to say. Gladly would they have lingered in that holy place which had
been touched with the light of heaven, and where the Son of God had
manifested His glory; but there was work to be done for the people,
who were already searching far and near for Jesus.
At the foot of the mountain a large company had gathered, led
hither by the disciples who had remained behind, but who knew
whither Jesus had resorted. As the Saviour drew near, He charged
His three companions to keep silence concerning what they had wit-
nessed, saying, “Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be
risen again from the dead.” The revelation made to the disciples was
to be pondered in their own hearts, not to be published abroad. To
relate it to the multitudes would excite only ridicule or idle wonder.
And even the nine apostles would not understand the scene until after
Christ had risen from the dead. How slow of comprehension even the
three favored disciples were, is seen in the fact that notwithstanding
all that Christ had said of what was before Him, they queried among
themselves what the rising from the dead should mean. Yet they asked
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no explanation from Jesus. His words in regard to the future had filled
them with sorrow; they sought no further revelation concerning that
which they were fain to believe might never come to pass.
As the people on the plain caught sight of Jesus, they ran to meet
Him, greeting Him with expressions of reverence and joy. Yet His
quick eye discerned that they were in great perplexity. The disciples
appeared troubled. A circumstance had just occurred that had caused
them bitter disappointment and humiliation.
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