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153. The Transfiguration


Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36 & 2 Peter 1:12-18
Key Verse: Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!"
Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:34

Jesus is not an equal to Moses and Elijah. Jesus is not a prophet. Jesus is the Son Of God and there is no human equal to Him! What the Father God pronounced over Jesus at His baptism is now reaffirmed here for the benefit of Peter, James & John.

Why were Peter, James and John given such a privilege as this? Surely, God had His reasons. They would certainly need this extra boost of confidence for the tasks set before them after Pentecost.

Why Moses and Elijah? Moses and Elijah were the most revered prophets in the history of Israel. Moses had met with God face to face and received God's law, the Ten Commandments, from His hand. When he died, he died alone and his body was never found. Elijah represented the hope in God. He had walked with God and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, not in death.  They also stand as the two best representatives of the Law and the Prophets.

When Peter wanted to make booths, or shelters, for all three, he was treating them like equals. Jesus, however, is not an equal to the great prophets. Jesus is God and the Son of God. So, the cloud came down, as the dove came down at Jesus' baptism and said, "This is my Son, Listen to Him!" He is not from the past. He is not based on tradition. Behold, the new has come. It is Jesus, "Listen to Him."

Just for a moment, Peter, James and John, were able to see Jesus as we will see Him in heaven. He was in His glory. Moses had wanted to see that Glory when he received the law, but Moses could only reflect His glory after God had passed by. All that glory was placed in a baby in Bethlehem. He grew up and walked among them and now, just for a moment, Jesus let that glory shine through for Peter and James and John to remember in the days to come.

Peter obeyed His Lord and said nothing to his fellow disciples when they met again. However, we learn of this in Peter's retelling through Mark and by his own testimony in his own epistle as a proof to his readers to take him seriously as a witness to the Christ. 2 Peter 1:16b – 18 says, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

We may not have a Mount of Transfiguration story to remember, but there are blessings that we have had from God, that we need to hold on to, to encourage us through the challenges of this day. You may be going through a difficulty, but God is the same God who blessed you once and will bless you again. Use what you remember of Him to help you walk through today.

Many years ago, Kathy began a journal of blessings to help us in our recollection of God's goodness to me and my family. When we are struggling, we find it comforting to go back through those pages and remember what God has done for us. You may find this exercise helpful as well. Enjoy remembering His goodness to you today.

Hymn: "To God Be the Glory"

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