Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain and was transfigured before them. Coming down from that experience he found the other disciples arguing with some teachers of the law. A large crowd was standing around watching. The argument apparently was focused on a father with a son possessed by a spirit that continually tried to kill him. The other disciples had tried to cast the spirit out but had been unsuccessful. Jesus, however, cast out the spirit and set the young boy free.
This morning as I was reading that chapter, instead of focusing on the transfiguration or the events surrounding Jesus and this father and son, I found myself focusing on a verse between those two events. “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” [Mark 9:15]
The people were overwhelmed with “wonder.” The English does not do that Greek word justice. It is a very intensive word, used only in Mark’s Gospel. It means to “astonish utterly, to greatly amaze.” It even carries a hint of fright.
The people were greatly amazed before they even saw the miracle. They were utterly astonished simply when they saw Jesus.
There is something undefinable that happens when coming face to face with holiness. Moses knew it on the mountain with God, Isaiah felt it when he saw the vision of God high and lifted up in the heavenly temple. The crowd recognized it when Jesus descended from the transfiguration on the mountain.
Oh God, how holy, how wondrous You are. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty. Amen.