Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
Transfiguration is a daunting word. The process of being transfigured is difficult. But in Matthew 17, Jesus’ transfiguration was simple. It makes me wish that I could be transfigured into a holy being as easily as Jesus was. But read on in the passage, and you will see that a mysterious voice has one command for the disciples: “Listen to him!”
God’s words to the three disciples were not complex teachings about life and faith. It is easy to get into life’s rhythm and forget about the simplicity of faith, of listening to both God and to nature. God tells us to “not be afraid.” Jesus did not answer all the disciples’ questions, but rather he calmed their fears. It is through listening to Jesus that the disciples were able to find peace, and we too can overcome our fears by grasping the simple, but often difficult, task of listening to God and allowing God to direct our paths. And just maybe, through listening and trusting in God, we too can be transfigured like Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”