Matthew 17-19 CSB
Something of great significance took place on the mount of
transfiguration. Many times we brush past this passage without realizing it was
a turning point in the life of Jesus and in the course of His ministry. Up to
this point the disciples had seen glimpses of His glory. They had seen
miracles, they had heard His teaching and they were close to getting it. In
just the chapter before, Peter had confessed that Jesus was the “Messiah, the
Son of the living God,” but then had fallen into rebuking Him for talking about
His impending death. Each time you think that they understand, then they would
do or say something that lets you know… “yeah, they aren’t completely there.”
Then comes Matthew 17.
You know the story, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on
the mountain and He was “transfigured” before them. He literally shone like the
sun and His clothes became as white as light. The veil of flesh was temporarily
peeled back and the three disciples saw the glory within. Then, Moses and
Elijah appear and they begin talking with Jesus. This is where it gets
interesting because Peter comes up and (like only Peter can do) he has a plan
for making things “better.” “Let me set up three shelters… one for you, one for
Elijah and one for Moses.” (17:4) I have often thought that this was just Peter
putting his foot in his mouth but I have come to realize that it was something
more. Peter was putting Jesus on the same level with these other heroic
prophets of days gone by. Then, a voice thunders from heaven and says, “This is
my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (17:5) I believe it
is at this point that Peter really gets it. Jesus is not equal to those old
testament Saints, He is their Lord. He is more than a prophet, He is God in the
flesh. As important as Moses and Elijah were (are), Jesus is the one Peter
needed to listen to; the one Peter needed to worship and he fell facedown and
was terrified. Things change after this, there is a different tone in the book;
Jesus commands more authority, the disciples are more reverent and in awe.
Jesus is still Jesus; doing His ministry and fulfilling His father’s will, but
that glimpse of His glory changed those guys on the mountain (and others who
followed) in a deeply profound way.
When did you really get it? At what point did Jesus become
more than just a bible character, a Sunday school story, a good man with good
teaching? When did you really understand who He is in all of His glory and it
forced you face down, into a relationship where you live like He is the loving
master and God of the universe and you are the slave that exists only to serve
Him? Some people hear about Him all their lives but they never see beneath the
veil. That’s what it means to truly be Christian; He stops being a faraway
character you read about and becomes an intimate, personal Lord who influences
and permeates every decision, every thought and every area of your life.
Blessings in Christ,
Kevin W. Rodgers
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