Monday, February 13, 2012
Matthew 17:1-2 Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.
WHY THE TRANSFIGURATION?
Soon we'll arrive at the last Sunday of Epiphany, the time when the church gives attention to the Bible account of the transfiguration. One day Jesus escorted three disciples up on a mountain of Galilee. Suddenly His appearance was altered. His face started shining like the sun and His clothes glistened. Two prophets of old appeared and began talking with Jesus about the work He would soon accomplish at Jerusalem.
The disciples were filled with joy when they saw it. Peter blurted: "Jesus, let's build three shelters -- for You, Moses, and Elijah -- so we can stay here!" Just then a cloud descended from heaven and enveloped them. A voice was heard: "This is My Son whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" The disciples fell to the ground terrified. Then, as quickly as the experience happened, it ended. Jesus reached out to touch them. When they looked up, they saw only Him -- looking as He always did.
The purpose of the transfiguration? First, God the Father wanted to bolster Jesus for His final battle with sin and Satan. As true man Jesus needed strengthening. It wouldn't be easy to walk the painful road to the cross. His Father sought to fortify His Son by reminding Him of the joy awaiting Him at the end of the road. After the shame of Good Friday He’d come out victorious on Easter to reclaim the position of honor that was His.
Another reason God made the transfiguration happen was for the disciples' benefit. They would witness the awful things that would happen to Jesus, His being taken prisoner, tried, condemned, and crucified. It wouldn't be easy! They needed to have their faith shored up. Through this remarkable experience, God let them know beyond a doubt that Jesus is the true Messiah. His death wouldn't mean He had failed His mission. To the contrary, it's how He would accomplish it! By His death Jesus would pay the penalty price for the world's sins. By His resurrection He'd assure His believers of a place in the Father's mansions (though they, like Jesus, would be called on to endure troubles on earth for a while).
This is the message of comfort He shares with you, dear reader. Do you experience periods of stress in life? Do you suffer at times from a tottering faith? Are you prone to doubt God's promises? He comes to you to bolster your faith and reassure you of His love. He reminds you of the glorious inheritance that awaits you in Jesus His beloved Son.
