Matthew Chapter 17
The transfiguration is one of those recorded moments of Jesus time on earth when we just simply say “wow”.
This moment allows us to get a small glimpse of heaven and the beautiful truth that those who are in Him but no longer live on this earth, they are with God alive and well!
Jesus who came from heaven was talking with Moses who had lived about 1400 years prior and Elijah who had lived on the earth about 900 years prior. Here they were in some sort of resurrected body talking with Jesus who had been transfigured – His face was shining so bright He was difficult to look at and His clothes also became very bright.
This was Jesus giving men a taste of His glory and His Kingdom.
Jesus had allowed three of His disciples to be a part of this moment, Peter, James and John. We can assume that all three men wanted to stay right there basking in the glory of Jesus and getting to see and hear Moses and Elijah too. But it was Peter that was brave enough to speak up, wanting to make tents or shelters. He didn’t want this experience to end, he was experiencing the glory of heaven.
Let's Reflect
1. The next thing that happened at the transfiguration is so amazing. A bright cloud overshadowed where they were on that (un-named) mountain, and a voice was heard. In other instances when the Bible records the voice of God speaking it is described like powerful thunder. Matthew does not mention a voice like thunder but he does mention that the men were terrified and they fell on their faces. What did they hear God say?
“For Christ to be glorious was almost a less matter than for him to restrain or hide his glory. It is forever his glory that he concealed his glory; and that, though he was rich, for our sakes he became poor.” [Spurgeon]
2. They did not stay in that glorious moment of the transfiguration. Jesus touched the men and told them to have no fear. They saw Jesus only now. And as they came back down the mountain, He instructed them to do what? Can you imagine the thoughts racing through their minds as they made their way back down?
3. One question they were thinking about was the prophecy of Elijah coming. Jesus told them the prophecy had been fulfilled. Who fulfilled that prophecy?
4. A man came to the crowd where Jesus was and told a terrifying story of what kept happening to his son. The son was demon possessed and the demon was trying to destroy his son. The disciples had not been able to heal this boy. Why?
5. To be successful in a battle against demons there must be trust in the Lord God who as complete authority over the demons. This is true of any sin in our lives. Jesus said that it is not dependent on our faith, in other words we don’t have to gain great faith, we just need a little faith, but great trust in our God. What size faith did Jesus say that we need?
6. Jesus told them plainly in verses 22-23 what was going to happen to Him. What did He say?
7. What miracle did Jesus perform to give money to those who collected tax and to keep them from being offended?
Devotionals
