What Were They Talking About?

The opening verses of Mark chapter nine describe a time when Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the top of a mountain. In addition to the transfiguration of Jesus, there was also something else that happened. Moses and Elijah appeared spoke with Jesus.

Mark 9:2-4 HCSB

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transformed, in front of them, and His clothes became dazzling — extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

There are many questions that we can ask about this situation. Why did Jesus only take Peter, James and John? Why not the others? Why did Jesus tell the three not to say anything about they’d seen until He’d risen from the dead (verse 9)?

There is one specific part about this meeting that I wonder about. Why aren’t we told of what Moses, Elijah and Jesus spoke about? The Greek word used for “with” in “and they were talking WITH Jesus” is syllaleō which means a conversation. It does not imply that the two were speaking TO Jesus, but WITH Jesus.

Perhaps they told Jesus just how pleased the Father was. Maybe they spoke of the days to come. I could have to encourage Jesus.

I believe that we’re not told because our wondering leads us to considering a host of possibilities. You see, often it’s the “wondering” we do in God’s Word, not be confused with questioning God’s Word, that leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Regarding God’s Word, what “wondering” are you doing today?