Dazzling Like the Son!
All of us grow up wanting to hear the words, "You are my Son with whom I am well pleased!" This is especially for young boys as they grow up. These boys need to hear their father's approval as they help them to develop into men. The first time Jesus heard this was at His baptism when God the Father said to God the Son, "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." Notice the slight difference from the first instance when the Father adds, "Listen to Him." As a result of the connection of the Father and the Son it was imperative for the disciples to listen to him, especially as His death drew near.
In this momentous occasion, Jesus literally undergoes a "metamorphosis". Meaning He is changed into a heavenly being before their eyes. The disciples had plenty of time living with Jesus, where they saw the many miracles he had performed for others and for them. But in this instance a miracle is done to him. This is a foreshadowing of the resurrection and the two are linked.
Also, we see Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. God had wanted Israel to listen to them, as special mediators between God and the people of God. But now God himself is in front of them, and therefore even better reason to listen. The law and prophets were all looking forward to the Son, yet many miss the connection. The disciples are so mesmerized by this heavenly experience, that they want to build shelters, or literally "tabernacle" with them. They want to keep this all before them and capture the moment.
What can this mean for us? Clearly Jesus took the three apostles with him for a purpose. Why? He wanted them to know He was the true Son of God, before he left them to go back to the Father. He also gave them a glimpse of how one day they would be white as snow, and would be transfigured in heaven. Notice it was still Jesus' body that was transfigured. This gives us insight into the resurrection and how we will be like him when we go to heaven. I am going out on a limb here, but what I think what this means is that in heaven we be essentially the same person but transfigured. That is why we wear white robes in the worship service as symbol that one day we will be robed in Christ's righteousness and dazzling like Him.
Finally we are reminded by this story that as God was well pleased with Jesus, as His sons and daughters, He is well pleased with us. He loves us because He loves us. Many people go through their whole life not knowing this fact. Jesus wanted his disciples to know this. It is not coincidental that this story is told in all four gospels and referenced to in 1 Peter as well. I guess He wanted us to know it too! Amen.
The Transfiguration
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
In this momentous occasion, Jesus literally undergoes a "metamorphosis". Meaning He is changed into a heavenly being before their eyes. The disciples had plenty of time living with Jesus, where they saw the many miracles he had performed for others and for them. But in this instance a miracle is done to him. This is a foreshadowing of the resurrection and the two are linked.
Also, we see Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. God had wanted Israel to listen to them, as special mediators between God and the people of God. But now God himself is in front of them, and therefore even better reason to listen. The law and prophets were all looking forward to the Son, yet many miss the connection. The disciples are so mesmerized by this heavenly experience, that they want to build shelters, or literally "tabernacle" with them. They want to keep this all before them and capture the moment.
What can this mean for us? Clearly Jesus took the three apostles with him for a purpose. Why? He wanted them to know He was the true Son of God, before he left them to go back to the Father. He also gave them a glimpse of how one day they would be white as snow, and would be transfigured in heaven. Notice it was still Jesus' body that was transfigured. This gives us insight into the resurrection and how we will be like him when we go to heaven. I am going out on a limb here, but what I think what this means is that in heaven we be essentially the same person but transfigured. That is why we wear white robes in the worship service as symbol that one day we will be robed in Christ's righteousness and dazzling like Him.
Finally we are reminded by this story that as God was well pleased with Jesus, as His sons and daughters, He is well pleased with us. He loves us because He loves us. Many people go through their whole life not knowing this fact. Jesus wanted his disciples to know this. It is not coincidental that this story is told in all four gospels and referenced to in 1 Peter as well. I guess He wanted us to know it too! Amen.
The Transfiguration
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
Comments
Post a Comment