Mount of Transfiguration, anybody? Think fast. What happened there? If you don’t know off the top of your head and hate pop quizzes, don’t feel bad. You’re in good company. I asked a few people this weekend and the responses ranged from, “I have no idea.” to “Was Jesus involved?” to “I just read that. Isn’t that where Jesus went up into Heaven?” No one I asked rattled off the story like it was lifelong favorite. Prior to preparing my Sunday school lesson, I’m not sure I could have told you all the participants and/or order of events.
So as a Sunday school teacher, I asked myself how did we fail to teach this story. Surely I have discussed this with at least one class over the years. Or maybe not. It is certainly worth the teaching.
Let’s crack open that often closed page and take a real look.
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”
Matthew 17: 1
I have to stop here for two observations:
First, Jesus was a mountain climber. Not Judean hills, but a “high mountain” climber. He also led the group. No wimpiness there.
Second, this inner circle of Peter, James and John has often been seen as the the disciples a cut above the other nine, thus chosen for special occasions. However, I read recently the suggestion they were “chosen” because they were the ones most likely to get in trouble when left unattended. Haha. That makes me giggle. God always “chooses” those who need Him most.
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”
Matthew 17:2
Okay, so this is different. The Jesus they knew walked around in sandaled feet, touched lepers, and asked Samaritan women for drinks from a well. Who was this? The three disciples are all resting from the climb. One of the gospels records they were sleepy, when all of a sudden Jesus appears in all of His radiant glory.
Picture it. You are taking a breather with your friends and this miracle worker/rabbi/Messiah. He is sweating and tired just like you. The Bible says He is praying while they rest and then His whole face and clothes change. His face appeared as bright as the sun and his clothes glowed like lightning. The disciples get a sneak peek at the REAL Jesus. It’s like Jesus was letting His friends in on a secret. “I’m going to show you something, but don’t tell anyone!” kind of secret. This wasn’t the Jesus they had followed for three years. That guy got tired, hungry, and had to wash his clothes just like them. This guy was Messiah and shined like the Son. In a way, the true miracle is that He was able to keep His glory hid as he trod this dusty earth. Showing it had to be easier than concealing it before mankind.
And then to make things even more supernatural…
“Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”
Matthew 17:3
Not your everyday occurrence. Sudden questions in my mind are: How did the disciples recognize them? There were no history books with pictures of great leaders of Israel. Evidently it was in conversation or by the names Jesus used to address them. Moses remained Moses and Elijah, Elijah.
Luke 9 records that they talked about Jesus’ soon departure from the earth. Another curiosity: What was discussed? Did they come to encourage Him, give Him a more detailed timeline, or celebrate His victory over satan and soon return to Heaven. It’s just one of those unrecorded Bible conversations that my nosey side longs to hear. I just know the Lord would say, “Suellyn, just pay more attention to the words I’ve recorded and let the unwritten be unheard.”
Peter then fills the air with the first things that come to mind.
Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Mark 9:5
I love this next part. Been there and have watched my awkward words hang in the air like a bad smell.
“He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.”
Mark 9:6
Fear so often is the culprit behind stupidity.
Some commentators criticize Peter because he said it was “wonderful for us”, showing a selfish side. Even more criticize Peter for putting Jesus on the same level with Elijah and Moses. I’m not sure that was Peter’s intention but whatever, God interupts the whole scene.
“But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to Him.’ The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
Matthew 17:5,6
This is a beautiful glance into the Father/Son relationship. Like I have explained before, I never really enjoyed a close Father/Daughter bond; but I have seen some beautiful examples. Yet, I have never been introduced to a son or daughter like this: “This is my dear son. I love him deeply. He brings to me the greatest joy. You should listen to Him.” That is love divine, my friend. His Father clearly enjoys Jesus’ company, loves His heart, and feels no trepidation about advising people to listen to Him.
Now one last thought, putting yourself on that mountaintop, what is it your ears are trained to hear? God just spoke from a cloud to listen to His dear Son. As my eyes spread like saucers and my mouth gapes, I believe my ears might even extend to not miss the next word from Jesus’ mouth. How about you? Are you thinking about looking it up or jumping down to the next quote section to see? No worries, here it is:
“Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up.’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.'”
Matthew 17:7
Are you surprised? We shouldn’t be. It’s the phrase our Lord most often used. “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid.” It is said by those who have counted, that there are 365 times in the Bible that God reminds us not to fear. 365, hmmm? That covers them all. Next Tuesday, during your job performance review, covered. Thursday is covered when those biopsy results are supposed to be in. Around here, it’s the next three weeks of the Coronavirus. All covered. The only thing the Bible tells us to fear is God and even in this situation of Him speaking from a cloud, Jesus touches them and chides, “Do not fear.”
Don’t miss the two tiny words just prior either. “Get up.” I realize the disciples had fallen to their faces in fear before this awesome scene, but I believe Jesus would say the same to us. “Get up.” Stop watching the “bad” news, chewing your nails in worry, and discussing the same tales of “what if”. Get up. Don’t be afraid. Do the things Jesus has called you to. Encourage your family. Pray for the lost. Really pray for the lost. Get up. The devil is working, but Christ came to “destroy the works of the enemy.” What He came to do will be done. Now get up and be the fearless saint He has touched.
