245 - The Transfiguration
- Gwen Diaz
- Sep 2, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
SEPTEMBER 2- Nº 245 Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36
Six days after Jesus had talked to his disciples about his coming death, he took three of them (Peter, James, and John) up a high mountain to pray with him. As Jesus prayed, his face began to shine like the sun and his clothes became as white as lightning.
Just then, both Moses (who had given the Israelites God’s Law—see #48 - February 17) and Elijah (one of Israel’s great prophets—see #137 - May 17 and #138 - May 18) appeared with Jesus in glorious brilliance. The three men began talking to each other, discussing the details of Jesus’ departure from the earth which would soon take place.
At first, the disciples, who had been very sleepy, thought they might be dreaming. But soon they realized that this conversation was really happening! Jesus’ amazing transformation and the appearance of two of Israel’s greatest patriarchs was actually taking place right in front of them! They were being allowed to eavesdrop on a heavenly conversation!
As Moses and Elijah prepared to leave, Peter spoke up. “Lord,” he said, “it is good that we are here. Please allow us to build three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Although this may sound like a strange suggestion, Peter’s response was actually quite logical. Jesus had made a promise just a few days earlier that some of the disciples would not die until they had seen the kingdom of God and its power (see #244 - September 1). Peter was sure that he and the other two disciples were now watching that promise come true. He thought that they were witnessing the beginning of Jesus' kingdom reign here on the earth!
The annual Festival of Booths was just days away. This feast anticipated the time when the Messiah would live in their midst. So, it seemed logical to build three booths (or shelters), one for each of the three kingdom leaders, to welcome them as the new rulers of Israel.
But what Peter was excitedly suggesting and what Jesus was actually doing, were two different things. Jesus still needed to die as Israel’s Passover Lamb before he could return to reign as Israel’s Messiah.
However, he was sharing a glimpse of this future glory with three of his key disciples. By doing this, he was giving them strength for the present and hope for the future. He didn't want them to become discouraged as they embarked on the difficult journey that he knew was ahead. Witnessing what was ultimately in store for them would give them courage.
As Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son. I love him, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” When they heard God’s voice, the disciples fell on their faces. They were terrified! Jesus walked over and touched them. “Get up, and don’t be afraid!” he said. They got up and looked around. Suddenly they were alone with Jesus.
As they came down from the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you just witnessed until I have been raised from the dead.” So, they kept it all to themselves only discussing with each other what it meant when Jesus said he would be “raised from the dead.”
Jesus vividly demonstrated to three of his key followers that there is a whole lot more to life than they could see here on earth. There is life after death, and this life will be filled with glory and light for Jesus' followers.
This eyewitness account that they recorded for us should bring us great hope and give us the courage to persevere through any difficulties we have to face.
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