Transfiguration

 

Transfiguration
Mark 9:2-9

In our Gospel lesson for today we heard that Jesus went up a mountain with a few of his disciples.

While he was at the top of the mountain, he spent some time praying and while he was praying, his clothes were dazzling white, like they were shining.

It's almost like he turned into a light bulb. Kind of cool, right?

But did you hear what the disciples thought about it?

That's right -- they were afraid about what was happening.

Even though the disciples knew Jesus, once Jesus started to light up, it really scared them.

They were so scared by what they were seeing that they didn't know what to say or do.

Then, the disciples were reminded by God that even when they were afraid, they were supposed to listen to Jesus.

That same reminder is true for us, too.

Today’s story reminds us that when we are frightened, we are to keep listening to what Jesus taught and spoke.

When we are challenged, Jesus’ words will help us know how to face our fear and act, even when we’re afraid.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to pray. As these disciples watched in awe, Jesus was transfigured. As His appearance changed. 

His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. 

Even more incredible, Jesus was joined by the long-dead Moses and Elijah. From a cloud that enveloped them all, the voice of the Lord affirms that this is his Son and they should listen to Him.

Transfiguration means “transformed”. Jesus was transformed into a glorious image in which his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. This image was nothing like Peter, James, and John had ever seen before. It showed them that Jesus truly was from God.

Moses and Elijah would have been two of the greatest Jews that had ever lived. For Jesus to stand with them showed his importance.

Moses received the Law and brought it to the people.   In fact, his face also glowed then, after he had spent time with God on Mt. Sanai

On a mountain, (Moses) with the Law  and (Elijah) as the great prophet, the voice of the Lord came from a bright cloud to announce that Jesus was above all.  

The Lord said that Jesus, his Son, had new words to say. The Lord told the disciples to “Listen to Him.”

Peter wanted to build shelters for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. 

Maybe he wanted to make a place like the tabernacle in the Old Testament. Or perhaps he wanted them to stay for a while. 

Peter never forgot this event. He wrote about it later in his life. Peter reminds his readers that he, himself, witnessed the glory of Jesus and even heard the voice of the Lord confirm his Son’s words. 

The Transfiguration of Christ was a remarkable event that carried significance in multiple ways. 

The Transfiguration demonstrated God’s glory and showed who Jesus was. 

It also revealed to the disciples, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they were putting their faith in the true Son of God.  

We are reminded that we can trust in God’s power and know who Jesus is.

These three. Peter. James. and John. May have been hoping for some proof to be sure they were following the right person.  Placing their trust in something genuine. 

On that mountain, though, the disciples got some amazing proof. Right before their eyes. 

Jesus changed. His clothes became super white, and Elijah and Moses showed up. 

As a cloud came over them, and a voice announced: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” That had to be pretty clear and obvious. 

If Peter, James, and John didn’t know for sure before, they certainly did then. They heard God announce that Jesus was His son, and command that they listen to Him! 

That must have been quite an amazing experience.

What about us? We appreciate who Jesus is. And we know that He went to the cross and rose again for us.  

At the same time, though, sometimes we want proof. Sometimes we wish that we had facts and evidence to support our faith. 

We don’t have the experience of hearing God’s voice speak out loud. Or seeing Jesus in the clouds. We have some great evidence all around us, as we see the mighty work of God’s hands. 

We trust what the Bible tells us. Our hope is in the right person. Jesus our Savior.  

Jesus said that we are blessed when we believe in Him. Even without seeing Him with our eyes. Ultimately, we return to the truth of Scripture. Jesus is God’s son, and we listen to Him when we read His word, pray, and come to church. 

Jesus is the true son of God. He lived and died for us. Although we may not see Him with our eyes or hear His voice, we can trust in the work that Christ did, and know that He is our savior and redeemer. Believing in the Bible reminds us of His power and authenticity. 

We give thanks for His life. And we can ask God to help us continue in our faith and understanding. Why don’t we do that now?

Prayer: 

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for Jesus. In His name, Amen!

Words - 940
Passive Sentences – 8.2%
.Readability -84.1%
Reading Leve -4.2

https://missionbibleclass.org/new-testament/part1/life-of-christ-middle/transfiguration/ 

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