4 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Luke 9:28-31 (CSB): “About eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
The transfiguration of Jesus must have been an unspeakably spectacular sight. Only Peter, James, and John were invited to experience it.
First, where did it happen? Most scholars think it took place either on Mt. Herman or Mt. Tabor. Here is a map to show where those mountains are located in relation to the Sea of Galilee.
Next, what was the transfiguration? Simply put, it was when Jesus’ deity radiated from His physical body. The brilliant glory of God radiated from every pore of Jesus’ physical body. Moses, who experienced the Lord’s glory (Genesis 33-34), and the shepherds watching over their flocks by night would have recognized it immediately.
Finally, why was the transfiguration necessary? I believe it served at least a few purposes:
- It clearly demonstrated Jesus’ deity. Jesus performed many miracles, but so did many of the Old Testament prophets. However, no OT prophet could have imitated Jesus’ transfiguration. Moses had been in the presence of God until His face shone with God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-35). But Jesus wasn’t merely reflecting God’s glory; His glory came from within Him.
- It gave Moses and Elijah a chance to approve. Moses represented the Old Testament Law, and Elijah represented the Old Testament prophets. So, these two men represented the entirety of the Old Testament and approved Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, complying with all laws and never violating a single one.
- It prepared Jesus and His disciples for the trouble ahead. These two men spoke to Jesus of His immanent “departure” (a.k.a. His death on the cross). They may have affirmed Him and encouraged Him as He prepared to wear the sin of all people who would trust in Him for eternal life, even as He absorbed God’s righteous wrath on sin and sinners. When life got incredibly difficult for His disciples, this memory (seared in their minds) would make it clear that they weren’t serving a mere man; they were serving God the Son who came as a man.
The glory that radiated from Jesus is repeated throughout the Bible. We are repeatedly told that God often reveals Himself in light, but I suspect it is so much more than a mere bright light. Since God’s glory is the radiance of His perfections, it would seem that His glory is an unimaginably enjoyable presence that His followers absolutely enjoy. After all, Moses had experienced God’s glory previously, but He asked to experience it again in Exodus 33:18. He clearly wanted more.
I wish I could have experienced Jesus in all His glory on that mountain. But I know that every believer has this and so much more waiting on each of us when we arrive in our heavenly home.
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you realize that there is so much more of Himself to enjoy than what you are currently experiencing.
- Ask God to help you desire to live the moments of your day with Him, and to know and enjoy Him more.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into the significance of the transfiguration, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“What was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration?”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 