Scipture:
Matthew 17:1-9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Transfiguration
Matthew 17
1 After six days (A) Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. (B) 2 He was transformed [a] in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. (C) 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it's good for us to be here! If You want, I will make [b] three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (D)
5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered [c] them, and a voice from the cloud said:
This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him.
Listen to Him! (E)
6 When the disciples (F) heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified.
7 Then Jesus came up, touched them, and said, "Get up; don't be afraid." (G) 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Him [d] Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, (H) "Don't tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man is raised [e] from the dead."
Footnotes:
Matthew 17:2 Or transfigured
Matthew 17:4 Other mss read wish, let's make
Matthew 17:5 Or enveloped; [Ex 40:34-35]
Matthew 17:8 Other mss omit Him
Matthew 17:9 Other mss read Man has risen
Cross references:
Matthew 17:1 : Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36;
Matthew 17:1 : Mt 26:37; Mk 5:37;
Matthew 17:2 : Ps 104:2; Dn 7:9; Mt 28:3; 2Co 3:18; Rv 1:16; 10:1;
Matthew 17:4 : Mk 9:5; Lk 9:33;
Matthew 17:5 : Is 42:1; Mt 3:17; Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22; Ac 3:22; 2Pt 1:16-18;
Matthew 17:6 : Mt 10:1; 26:56; Mk 3:7; 16:20; Lk 6:13; Jn 12:16;
Matthew 17:7 : Dn 8:18; 9:21; 10:10; Mt 14:27;
Matthew 17:9 : Mk 9:9-13;
Reflection:
Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain. Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain is celebrated in the Eastern and Western churches on August 6. Mark's account tells us that Jesus' garments became glistening, intensely white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem — his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10). Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?
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