Matthew 17:1–13 - The Transfiguration

 Can you remember when you realized who Jesus really is?

Today, we read about the 3 disciples who went from one of the most discouraging weeks they have experienced to a divine encounter with the Holy trinity of God. 

The Disciples have had quite a week in the region of Caesarea Philippi. 

First, Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God. And gets the highest accolades of his life… You heard from GOD, they HS revealed 

Then, Jesus predicts He will be killed, which totally contradicts in Peter’s mind what could ever happen to the Messiah.

So Peter pulls Jesus aside and says, may it never be. Spare yourself this suffering. This shall never happen to you!

And Jesus rebukes Peter, get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.  Which would be Peter’s personal low … all in one day

Jesus turns and instructs them if you want to be my disciple you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me. He tells them the road ahead is going to be difficult. It’s going to be dangerous. And it will cost you. Jesus goes further by adding, lose your life for me and you will find it. Let go of all the ways you will be tempted to save yourself, and follow me. Those of us who follow Jesus know this to be true. There is some serious suffering that a disciple, a follower of Jesus endures but there is divine peace and purpose and fruit that you would not trade an ounce of that suffering, bc of what God has done in you.

Today, the story takes place a week later as Jesus leads three disciples to a high mountain. It doesn’t say where in the text. But it most likely is Mount Hermon. The highest point in Israel (9600ft - think Mt. Lassen) Because this is a high mountain and the region is relatively secluded, and ideal for what is about to happen. And what is about to happen is the infamous TRANSFIGURATION.

Matthew 16:28-17:1-13

(28) “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. (2) There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (3) Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

(4) Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

(5) While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

(6) When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. (7) But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” (8) When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

(9) As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

(10) The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

(11) Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. (12) But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” (13) Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.