The first half of Mark’s story takes place in Galilee, with Jesus restoring the health of individuals and village communities.

This mission climaxes with Peter recognizing Jesus as Messiah. From this moment the narrative shifts its attention from the provinces to the capital, from effects to origins, from symptoms to causes (Mark 8:29).

Lifted beyond the mundane

Shortly after Mark’s narrative turns its attention toward Jerusalem, Jesus takes three of his disciples up a tall mountain, where he is transfigured. The atmosphere is rarified, and the three disciples are awe-stricken. This experience of the transcendent brings them into contact with the ultimate meaning of the story in which they find themselves. The sacred mountain associated with Moses and Elijah called to mind, as the two famous figures encounter Jesus on the summit.

Jewish tradition knew of famous figures who were taken in heaven without dying. The Bible mentions Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). And although Moses’ death is reported there (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), the Jewish philosopher Philo and historian Josephus record ...