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Daily Devotions

Matthew

Matthew 
Day 
Day 235

The Transfiguration of Jesus

Text: Matthew 17 : 1 - 13

A subtle shift in Matthew’s Gospel may now be noted. The turning point appears to be the confession of Peter that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Upon this revelation from the Father to Peter, Jesus began to prepare His disciples for the future ministry – with specific reference to the Church, yet to be formed and inaugurated.

Jesus spoke to His disciples about how they would see His coming into the kingdom in glory. That thought might have been quite mystifying. Still, it was a truth that needed to be communicated! What other lessons would Jesus teach His disciples to prepare them for their future ministry?

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
led them up on a high mountain by themselves;
and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun,
and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold,
Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.”
MATTHEW 17:1-3

The transfiguration was a most significant revelation! Yet, only three disciples were selected to witness it. Let us ponder the lessons Jesus sought to teach these three men.

1. Selection

It was the prerogative of Jesus to choose whom He would for special instruction of experience.

a) Knowledge of the disciples

Jesus knew His disciples better than they knew themselves. Though all of them had followed Him together, He knew that their faith levels were different, one from the other.

b) An inner circle of three

Jesus selected an inner council of just three disciples. He knew His Father’s plans for them. He also saw their spiritual potential. Thus He focused a little bit more time and attention to this small group of three.

2. Significance of the Transfiguration

The disciples of Jesus were in for the surprise of their life! They saw their Master in a way that they had never seen before! He glowed till He was as bright as the sun. What did that mean? Then there was the appearance of Moses and Elijah! They seemed most engaged in conversation with each other! What could that mean?

a) Confirmation of the identity of Jesus

Jesus had accepted Peter’s confession that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God! The Transfiguration was vital proof that Jesus was no ordinary human being. The word “transfigure” translates the word “metemorphote” which literally means to be “transformed”. The bright glory that effused from Him enhances and emphasizes the fact that He had glory written all over Him! No human being had ever been associated with such glory – not even Moses, or Elijah who were held in the highest esteem by all Jews.

b) Conversation with Moses and Elijah

We do not know what they spoke about. That is not as terribly important as the fact that Moses and Elijah were depicted as living beings, though they died centuries ago! Their appearance served to confirm all that Jesus had spoken earlier about the eternal state! Hundreds of years later in the eternal kingdom of Christ had not affected them adversely one whit!

AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT

Awe struck, Peter was not sure how he and his fellow disciples should respond. Should they say something? What was the right thing to say?

“Then Peter answered and said to Jesus,
‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish,
let us make here three tabernacles; one for You,
one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'”
MATTHEW 17:4

This was the best that Peter could offer. He thought about setting up tents or tabernacles for them. He meant well. He did not know how long these heavenly visitors were going to stay. If they meant to stay the night, then they might just need a tent each. Peter had the best of intentions when he said what he did.

Peter, of course, spoke out of ignorance. Kindly, God spoke to him out of heaven to help him understand the significance of the Transfiguration event.

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out
of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom
I am well-pleased. Hear Him!'”
MATTHEW 17:5

1. God allows His voice to be heard!

What a thrill it must have been to hear God’s voice speaking directly to them! Already the day’s event had been so significant! Seeing Jesus transfigured. Seeing Moses and Elijah in Jesus’ company! But there was more! God spoke to them!

2. God confirms the Identity of Jesus

God’s voice confirmed Peter’s confession as to the true identify of Jesus! He had another word for the disciples! They must ever pay close attention to what Jesus taught – simply because He was indeed the Beloved Son of God!