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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise When Peter wrote to the churches about the transfiguration, he said that Jesus “received honor and glory from God the Father” (2 Pet 1:17). I want to join you in glorifying your Son, Jesus Christ. He’s the bread of life and the prince of peace. He’s the light of the world and the leader of the church. He’s my Master, my Redeemer, my Savior, and my King! All praise to the Lamb of God! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the transfiguration of Jesus. What Peter declared by faith, the three disciples now witnessed with their own eyes: Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:16). The transfiguration was significant for several reasons: (1) it was the only visible display of Jesus’ divinity during his earthly ministry, and it was seen by three men who then testified as “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet 1:16; Deut 17:6); (2) it showed Jesus’ supremacy over Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the prophets); (3) it confirmed Jesus as your final and superior Spokesman (Heb 1:1–2), for he was the culmination and fulfillment of everything that had come before (Matt 5:17). For all the grand theological and Christological motifs that are present in the transfiguration, there is also a strong emphasis on discipleship. You said to the three disciples, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35). The revelation of Jesus as your Son means that I owe him my attention, my allegiance and my obedience. Those who have the privilege of hearing Jesus’ message must heed his words! (Heb 2:2–3; 10:28–29). When Jesus, Peter, James and John came down from the mountain, they found the other disciples arguing with some scribes, who were taunting them over their failure to cast out a demon. When Jesus realized what was going on, he was angry: “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?” (Matt 17:17). This was clearly a rebuke of the people, for this was not the first time their unbelief had hindered the Spirit’s work (cf. Mark 6:5–6). The boy’s father was also at fault, and after Jesus exposed his lack of faith, he cried out for help: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” His attitude teaches me to take correction with a humble spirit and throw myself on your mercy and grace. After Jesus exorcised the demon, the disciples came to him privately and asked what they had done wrong, for they had cast out demons before (Mark 6:7, 13). Jesus’ answer, the need for more faith and prayer, teaches me not to give up in the face of resistance. The disciples expected the demon to come out immediately, and when it did not, they faltered. They needed to learn the importance of persisting in faith and invoking your power through prayer. If they did, their faith, like a mustard seed, would grow from a tiny speck into a large tree, and it would enable them to accomplish great things for you. Reflection Jesus’ willingness to pay the temple tax showed a love for others, for he did not want to cause them to stumble. Am I loving others by limiting my liberty? Am I concerned how my actions affect their faith? Request Father, help me pay “careful attention” to what I have heard, lest I drift away from it (Heb 2:1). May I always heed the words of your Son and listen only to his voice (John 10:27). Thanksgiving Thank you for the testimony of Peter, James and John to the divinity of Jesus Christ. Through them, I too bear witness to the majesty and glory of your Son! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Only Believe” — Paul Rader. Meditation Verse: Luke 9:35. |