Matthew 17:1-9

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. ² And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” ⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. ⁷ And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.

⁹ As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Imagine going up that mountain with Jesus. You know He’s done some pretty amazing things – you’ve witnessed them. You’ve resolved that Jesus really is God’s Messiah. But it’s just not what you expected. Maybe you had thoughts of a great warrior king on a white horse. But it has to be Him! Then you see Moses and
Elijah — a visual confirmation that Jesus is what was always longed for — the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Then you hear “the voice” confirming that Jesus is the Son of God fulfilling ancient scriptures, bringing old hope into reality. Where do you need to embrace change? What’s your perception of Jesus and His ways?

Prayer: Jesus, You are the Messiah, help me to see Your glory today. May it transform my heart.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB © The Lockman Foundation (www.lockman.org)