Friday, February 9, 2018
Matthew 17:1-9 After six days 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. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
DON'T TELL ANYONE, UNTIL ...
You've probably been to a surprise party. The careful planning, the big secret, the anticipation and excitement, and finally the big surprise. We can understand why guests are specifically told not to tell anyone about the surprise until the day finally comes. Why would we want to ruin it?
But what about Jesus? Why did He tell Peter, James and John not to tell anyone what they'd seen or heard on top of that mountain? Why did He not want them to share that they'd witnessed Him in His glory, transfigured before their very eyes as the one and only Son of God? The answer is actually pretty simple. Jesus needed to be able to get to Jerusalem. He needed to avoid the massive crowds now at this time. He was so close to completing His earthly mission. He was resolutely heading for Jerusalem. He was about to be innocently arrested, tried, and condemned. He was about to crush the head of Satan in taking the burden of our sins on the cross, just as He the LORD had promised 4000 years earlier to Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:15). He was about to destroy death forever in His resurrection and bring life and immortality to light through this gospel-- good news (2 Timothy 1:10)!
Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen and heard until He had risen from the dead. But now, Christ has risen from the dead! What He has revealed to us through His Word we are called to share! Don't tell anyone? No! Tell everyone, until our dear Jesus returns to call us home!
