Transfiguration

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." (Matthew 17:1-9)

Moses and Elijah came and went.  The premier law giver and prophet sort of passed their batons to Jesus in this mystical way Jesus’ followers certainly would have understood and appreciated.  Jesus was transfigured by taking on Moses’ and Elijah’s mantles of authority and influence.  

Matthew told this great story full of symbolism and meaning for those seeking to understand Jesus and be transfigured or transformed themselves to become Jesus’ followers like Peter, James, and John.  From the clouds the Lord said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."  And they did. It’s all quite remarkable.

Even more remarkable would be our acting like the Lord’s beloved sons and daughters with whom he would be well pleased.  That’s one of our challenges this Lent.  We must listen to him.

Deacon David Pierce