Matthew 17 - 7.17.26
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9
1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 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.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 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.”
Observation
This is the Transfiguration of Jesus, he transformed from the inside out right in front of Peter, James and John. He was shining like a bright light, like the sun and standing right there with him was Moses and Elijah. The disciples were terrified and didn’t know what to say, so Peter said he could build three shelters or tents for them, but you can’t contain God’s Glory in a tent. As Peter was talking, he was interrupted by a bright cloud that covered them and a voice from the cloud told who Jesus is. Jesus is the radiance of God’s Glory. We see the same thing spoken about Jesus at the beginning of His ministry.
Matthew 3:16 - 17 - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
If the disciples had any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah, I think this would have been a real eye opener. God was pulling out all the stops! He was showing up for our Jewish disciples. The law being given to Moses is now here…Jesus. All the Glory from Mt. Sinai, which shone on Moses’ face and all the Glory of Jesus was right here in front of them. They were overwhelmed by God’s Glory…it was wonderful and scary but they didn’t want to leave.
Application
As Believers who are blood bought, saved by Grace, we too want to stay in our safe buildings and structures and enjoy God’s presence while the world outside is dying. Jesus took the disciples down the mountain right back into the messiness of life. The Glory of God goes out into the world, community and our screwed-up lives. God’s Glory is not just going to shine from a mountaintop, it’s going to be found in you and me. The Glory of God won’t be contained, we are reflections of His Glory. God’s Glory is found as we live out Jesus among us. God’s Glory is all over the place. You can be part of God’s Glory. If the Church of Jesus isn’t about the business of reflecting God’s Glory, we are missing the mark. You have to leave the sunset, the mountain, the awesome worship and the building because the Glory of God is to be lived out. Jesus has called us to be the Bearers of His Glory to the world. Are you bearing God’s Glory?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help us to be busy about your business. We are your hands and feet in this world and we ask that you use us for your kingdom. Lord, search our hearts and purify us, so that we will be bright reflections of your Glory. Give us a heart that has compassion for the world that is hurt and dying. Help us to be bearers of Your Glory!
- Michelle Craig
