Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. While on top of that mountain, our Lord was transfigured before them – his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah also appeared talking with him. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The Lord revealed the glory of the eternal Son of God in this moment on the mount: Jesus of Nazareth is the beloved Son of the Father, with whom he is well pleased. In all things, let us listen to him.
In a clear manifestation of the glory of God in his Son, Jesus was transfigured before the presence of the disciples on the mountain. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. In that brief episode, the disciples were allowed to see Jesus in his glory, as he truly is (John 1.14).
Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see you as you truly are, even as the disciples were graced to behold you on the mount. We walk by faith, and not by sight. In your name, amen.
“The theme of the divine sonship of Jesus runs like an unbroken thread through the early chapters of Matthew, ‘becoming ever more visible and thus alerting the reader to the manner in which Matthew would have him comprehend the person of Jesus’. In the remainder of this gospel, the confession of Jesus as Son of God is obviously central to Matthew’s view of discipleship (cf. 14:33; 16:16; 27:54; 28:19). The ‘Son’ theme incorporates the notion that Jesus is the one who fulfils the role and destiny of the true Israel (cf. 2:15; 4:3), as well as the notion that he is the promised king of Israel (cf. 3:17; 16:16; 17:5; 26:63) and the one who uniquely manifests the power and presence of God amongst his people (cf. 8:29; 14:33). The claim that Jesus is the Messiah might also have indicated to some of Matthew’s original readers that he is the one to build the eschatological temple.”
~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. pp. 82-83.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Jesus Fulfills the Law, Matthew 5.13-20
Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God
Special Church Year Service
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
