Matthew 17:1-2
The first two verses of Matthew 17 describe where and when the transfiguration of Jesus occurred, as well as who was with Jesus to witness this event. The disciples Jesus selected to go with Him on this journey, Peter, James and John, were near and dear to His heart. He had chosen them several other times to be with Him at key moments. It is also not surprising that the transfiguration occurred on a mountain, since mountains were common sites for significant events, such as the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the 5,000, the tempting of Jesus by Satan, and prayer.
The word “transfigured” speaks of transformation, not merely a change in outward appearance. The effect was extremely striking, and Jesus became so bright in appearance that He was too difficult to look at, like the sun.
We need to be reminded that all Christian life is a life with Christ, in His presence, radiant with the light that comes from Christ, fulfilled by Christ Himself. There is no boundary between Christ, His light and glory, and our Christian lives. Nothing on this earth could be called Christian if Christ hadn’t been here. All of heaven’s glory exists wherever He is, even if it’s concealed in an image of humility.
What happened on the Mount of Transfiguration? The disciples could see what Peter eight days earlier confessed: That Jesus was the Son of God, and that all of God’s glory and power existed in His body. What the disciples had seen only through the eyes of faith now became apparent with blinding clarity.
I thank You, Lord Jesus, for every glimpse of Your glory I’m allowed to see, and for all the joyous moments I’ve experienced in Your presence surrounded by Your light. You know I would gladly live there with You and build myself a shelter. However, because it’s not Your will, I thank You for sending me amid the heat and dust and anxiety and struggle among men. I thank You for the grace to be able to lift my eyes and see only You, and know that where You are is where all God’s glory is. Amen.
Contributed by Tara Boehne