Transfiguration

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Matt. 17:1–2) The transfiguration preceded Jesus’ time on the cross and may have been the Father’s preparatory provision to strengthen Jesus as He prepared to bare the sins of the world. (Source Unknown)

This portion of scripture is referred to as the transfiguration. The word means to change a figure into another form. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up onto a "high mountain". These are the same three that were with Him when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Some think that this was Mount Tabor, which is located a few miles southeast from Nazareth. Others think that a more likely location was on one of the southern slopes of Mount Hermon, which was northwest of the Sea of Galilee not far from Caesarea of Phillipi. The first part of the passage states a simple truth. When the King comes into his Kingdom he will be loyal to those who have been loyal to him. Jesus is saying, "If a man is ashamed under such conditions to show that he is a Christian, if he is afraid to show what side he is on, he cannot expect to gain a place of honor when the Kingdom comes.”

Jesus was changed before the eyes of these disciples as His garments became a glistening white (v.3). Then Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking to Jesus (v.4). Impulsive Peter didn’t know what to say but felt he had to say something, so he put his foot in his mouth by wanting to build three tabernacles. God sort of rebuked Peter by covering them with a cloud and saying, "He is my beloved Son: hear Him." The main thing was that they were to listen to Him.

APPLICATION:

Have each member of the family share a mountain top experience they have had with the Lord. Conclude by sharing my relationship with the Lord at the present time.

___on the mountaintop

___in the valley

___in the desert