Jesus’ Transfiguration
Jesus is in the latter portion of His ministry. Part of that includes revealing His true glory to three of His disciples. Jesus is transfigured before their eyes.
All of us who have read the bible or heard bible stories all our lives understand the word “transfiguration”, but I thought it might be good to give it an official definition. Meriam Webster Dictionary defines transfiguration as: a change in form or appearance: metamorphosis. an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change. This is exactly what Jesus did before His three disciples.
In the story today, we are going to see events from several angles and viewpoints. I was thinking about listing them all, but I don’t want to be constrained by preconceptions. I want the Spirit to unfold the story as He sees fit. I can promise it will be interesting though with a few unexpected events.
Holy Spirit, thank You for giving me excitement about this story. For also providing a base on which to begin; one that You provided several years ago. Lead this journey and show me the things I should be taking for my own life.
♥ ♦ ♥
Jesus and His disciples have been in the area near Caesarea Philippi for nearly a week. They have been going about the towns and villages preaching the gospel and healing the sick. Each day brings new crowds, hungry for whatever Jesus is willing to give. Often they cry out for even more.
Dawn breaks and Jesus stretches His arms above his head to get the kinks of the night out. He is excited. He knows what this day holds. It is something special that He plans to share with only three of His disciples; Peter, James, and John. They have NO idea what is in store for them.
Jesus usually goes off by Himself in the mornings to spend time with His Abba. Today, as the disciples are preparing their breakfast, Jesus goes over to them. He looks at them all. He would love to share what this day holds with all of them, but He has to keep those who will bear witness to just a few. He does NOT want to single anyone out as ‘not desirable’, even though He knows there is one among them who will play an integral part in ending His life. It’s not time to reveal that yet. So, keeping today’s group small is imperative.
Jesus begins packing a bag with food. “Peter, James, John, pack provisions for yourselves. You will accompany me on a journey today.”
The three men get up and begin doing as Jesus has instructed. Andrew looks up at Jesus.
“What are we to do in Your absence?”
“You will meet the needs of the people, just as you did when I sent you out in pairs.”
Matthew asks; “How long will You be gone?”
“We will be back by nightfall.”
While Jesus and His chosen three ready themselves for their journey, another group of people are preparing for the excitement this day holds. This group in made up of faithful men who have passed beyond the physical life. They are gathered in Abraham’s Bosom. This group consists of Abraham, Moses, and Elijah.
“The Lord says that something special is in store for the two of you today” says Abraham.
“Did He give you any indication what it is” asks Elijah.
Abraham shakes his head. “Only that it is something that has long been awaited.”
“Did He say when this would happen” asks Moses.
“It will occur in the world this day, but I have no more information than that. Be patient.”
Jesus, James, John, and Peter start up the mountain. It is a long walk. The fact that it is up the side of the mountain forestalls most conversation, but Peter can’t help but ask; “Why are we climbing this mountain?”
“We are going to a solitary place to pray” answers Jesus.
“Couldn’t we go to a place that didn’t take so much effort to get to” moans Peter.
Jesus smiles. “This climb will be worth the effort.”
Many hours later, panting, sweaty, and out of breath, Jesus and His disciples finally reach the place Jesus has chosen. “We are here” He says.
Peter finds the first large stone and sits down. He is used to hard work, but his has always been done on flat land, where the air isn’t thin, and uses more upper body than lower body strength. James and John quickly find spots to rest as well.
Jesus looks around. “I’m going over there to pray” He says while pointing to a small flat clearing.
“Do You want us to come with You or are we good where we are sitting” asks James.
“You can pray from here” Jesus says with a nod.
Jesus walks about a stone’s throw away. He kneels before His Abba. His prayer starts as one of thanks giving. “Thank You Abba for the marvels this day holds in store for my disciples. Thank You that You will ALWAYS be with these men as they face what is to come. They have no understanding of what is to come, but they will someday soon. Grant them the ability to hold this time secret until the right moment.”
As Jesus prays, His three disciples start to pray as well. But exhaustion overtakes them and they are drifting off into sleep.
In Abraham’s Bosom, Abraham receives a message for Moses and Elijah.
“It’s time boys” he says with eyes full of excitement. “Tell EVERYTHING when you return.”
In an instant, Moses and Elijah are whisked away to the top of the mountain. In front of them stands the Son of God. No introductions are necessary. Their spirits intimately know one another.
“Moses, Elijah, it’s good to see you here” Jesus says while stepping in to give them both hugs.
The sound of multiple voices filter into the disciples’ ears. John wakes first. He looks over to where Jesus is standing. He quickly wakes Peter and James. “Wake up! Something is happening!”
It’s not just the fact that two new members have joined their group, but Jesus is practically GLOWING! His clothes are whiter than ANYONE of earth could wash it. His skin is radiating a light that is almost painful to look at. Even His hair is coalescing with vibrant colors dancing with an array of color, as if a rainbow is reflecting from it.
All three disciples jump to their feet. They move over close to where Jesus and His companions are talking.
“Moses, did you ever expect to be standing face to face with God incarnate” asks Elijah.
“NEVER in my wildest dreams. I thought God would have forgotten me when He punished me for striking the rock.”
Elijah laughs. “How about when I told God that I had enough and wanted to die.”
“Elijah! Did you really say that” asks Moses.
Elijah blushes. “As a matter of fact, I did. I had reached my limit after the Jezebel. After the greatest victory ever, I fell into the lowest valley.”
“God NEVER turned His back on either of you” Jesus says with a smile. “And He reserved this special moment for the three of us.”
Moses asks, “Does our visit mean the promise of God to Israel is happening right now?”
“No Moses, but very soon”, says Jesus.
Peter, John and James are standing at the edge of the clearing with their mouths hanging open. They are so surprised to be witnesses to this event. Peter can’t restrain himself any more. He HAS to say something, but what? So in perfect Peter fashion, he says the first thing that comes to mind.
“Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4).
Before the sound of Peter’s words dissipate with the wind, a blindingly bright cloud moves right above them all. A voice comes from the cloud and is so strong that it can be felt vibrating through the very bones of all the disciples. They fall on their faces in terror at the sound of it.
“THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, WITH WHOM I AM WELL PELASED; LISTEN TO HIM” (Matthew 17:5; emphasis added).
Peter is petrified, thinking that he really messed up with that comment. He is praying that God won’t strike him dead. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…..”, is chanting through Peter’s head.
Jesus gives Moses and Elijah a shoulder shrug, and whispers “What can I say, that’s Peter and I wouldn’t have him any other way.” Then Moses and Elijah instantly vanish. They have quite the story to tell when they get back to Abraham’s Bosom!
Jesus watches His disciples as God is speaking. He loves each of them so much! He is glad they are here to witness this; to have actually seen Him as He truly is. FULL to the brim with God’s glory. He certainly understands God’s correction of Peter, but He also loves Peter’s boldness.
After God finishes speaking, Jesus walks over to where His disciples are cowering on the ground and touches them. “Rise, and have no fear” (Matthew 17:7).
Peter, James and John carefully raise their heads and look around for a second. As they look around, from their position on the ground, they notice that Jesus is the only one present. Relief and sadness fills each of them. Peter doesn’t have to worry about saying anything embarrassing any longer; or so he hopes.
The three men rise up from the ground and they all begin the trek back down to the valley floor. The event is over and the excitement is dampened a bit by the reproof from God. But the enormity of it still sings within their spirits.
“I can’t wait to tell Andrew about this” John says.
“Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9) Jesus says.
The disciples are all still uncertain as to what Jesus means about “rising from the dead” but they don’t argue.
While Jesus and His three disciples make their way back down the mountain, Elijah and Moses share their experience with Abraham.
“We met the Son of God, IN THE FLESH! I knew Him the instant I saw Him” Moses says.
“I knew Him too. Not because of the radiance that was shining off of Him but because my spirit bore witness to Him” adds Elijah.
“What did He say to you” Abraham asks with pleading eyes. He wants EVERY detail.
“He said that the time is almost here for God’s GREATEST work. It’s time the promise is fulfilled.”
Abraham does a leap of joy and shouts “Praise be to Adonai!”
“What else did He say” Abraham asks after his spontaneous praise.
“We didn’t have time to talk about much else. One of Jesus’ disciples said something that apparently displeased God, and our visit was cut short” says Moses.
Abraham puts his hand over his heart as if in pain. “What did he say?”
“He wanted to honor us along with Jesus. God told him, in NO uncertain terms, to pay attention to Jesus alone” Moses replies.
Elijah chuckles.
“What’s so funny” asks Abraham.
“Something Jesus said about that particular disciple.”
“Don’t keep me in suspense! What did He say?”
“He said; ‘That’s Peter and I wouldn’t have him any other way.’”
Abraham laughs. “I hope He says the same thing about me some day.”
Moses and Elijah both nod. They hope for that same response one day.
A little further down the mountain, Peter says, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” (Mark 9:11).
“Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him” (Mark 9:12-13).
It takes a minute, but Peter, James and John finally understand that Jesus is speaking about John the Baptist. John had come in the spirit of Elijah and the Pharisees and Scribes rejected him. And Herod killed him! Jesus says they will do the same to Him.
Peter silently thinks to himself, “Not if I have anything to say about it!”
Conversation down the rest of the mountain is reserved. Not because of needing to conserve their strength, but because each is thinking about Jesus’ words. They are all wrestling with how to protect the others.
Before they even step foot on flat land, they see a big commotion up ahead. There is a large group gathered around the other disciples with one man and a young boy seemingly at the center of it all.
Someone in the crowd looks up and sees Jesus coming down the mountain.
“It’s Jesus” he shouts.
The rest of the crowd catches sight and they rush towards Him. Jesus holds up His hands, indicating for them to slow down. Jesus looks around at His disciples who had remained behind. Their faces are stony. Some have their arms crossed over their chests in an offended manner.
“What are you arguing about with them?” (Mark 9:16) Jesus asks.
Before any of the disciples can speak, the man that Jesus saw in the middle of the crowd pushes forward and falls at Jesus’ feet.
“Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able” (Mark 9:17-18).
Jesus looks around at all the people gathered there. His disciples, those seeking healing, even another group of Pharisees and scribes. He wags His head. “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me” (Mark 9:19) He says.
The father immediately draws his son forward. Upon entering Jesus’ presence, the demon within the boy seizes him. He is thrown to the ground, begins full body convulsions, and frothing at the mouth. It is terrifying to watch for everyone except Jesus. While others are covering their mouths in fear, Jesus’ brows knit together in anger at the abuse being inflicted on this young boy.
“How long has this been happening to him?” (Mark 9:21a) Jesus asks the father.
With tears in his voice, he answers. “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mark 9:21b-22). The man looks at Jesus with pleading eyes.
Jesus’ eyes widen at the man’s words. “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23).
The father falls to his knees again and cries out; “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
The crowd starts pushing in from behind. Jesus calls out to the spirit that is tormenting the boy; “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again” (Mark 9:25).
In the most horrendous fit possible, the boy is twisted in knots, then released completely. He lies on the ground as still as death. Not a muscle twitches, not even an eyelash.
The people begin to wail; “He is dead” (Mark 9:26).
Jesus bends down and takes hold of the young man’s hand. His eyes flutter open and he begins to sit up. Jesus helps him to his feet and presents him to his father.
“Abba!” the boy cries as he embraces his father.
This is the first intelligible word this father has ever heard from his son. The father embraces his son as tears of joy stream down his face.
Jesus and His disciples slip from the crowd and return to the home where they are staying. Mixed emotions run through the group. Peter, James, and John are still dealing with the high from the mountaintop, as well as how to keep it all secret. The rest of the disciples are feeling defeated. They did EVERYTHING they knew to do, but nothing helped the boy.
Everyone settles around the table for the evening meal. Andrew can hold his tongue no longer.
‘“Why could we not cast it out?’ (Mark 9:28). We did everything You taught us and you’re your name alone.”
Jesus’ eyes are full of compassion as he answers Andrew. “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Jesus shakes His head. “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer” (Mark 9:29).
The disciples all start talking at once. “What kind of prayer?” “How do we increase our faith?” “What do we do if we meet this kind again?” “You have UNTOLD authority!”
“The time will come when you will do these works as well. You will have all the authority of My name at that time.”
(to be continued)
I wonder what I would have said on the mountaintop with Jesus. Would I have been too afraid to speak? Or would I too be sucking on peppermint socks?
While I was thinking about Peter’s response to the situation, I had to go back and let Elijah and Moses share what happened with Abraham. I too want to have Jesus say, “That’s My little sister, and I wouldn’t have her any other way; warts and all!”
How hard was it for the three who went with Jesus to keep this secret? Did the excitement of the boy take their minds off of it? That happens to me too often; getting sidetracked. Or did the Holy Spirit move it to the back so that Jesus’ secret would be safe? I have actually asked Him to move things back to the front for me when I need them. And He does!
My heart goes out to the father and son. I have had plenty of times where one of my children was sick. Some were serious while others, mundane. But each time your child hurts, you hurt. I can’t imagine being in that father’s shoes. Watching his child being tormented daily.
Something I noticed about Jesus’ prayer for the child. He forbade the demon from returning. In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus speaks of a demon returning to a person who hasn’t filled their heart with God and bringing seven more, making the person worse than he started. Jesus’ words prevented this for the child. I wonder if it was because the child hadn’t been able to learn right and wrong yet, because of his disability. And is it possible that this child had epilepsy? Just wondering. They didn’t have a diagnosis for epilepsy in Jesus’ time. I’m getting side tracked again.
Father God, thank You for getting me back on track every time I wander off. For bringing back to my memory the things that are important. THANK YOU for giving me the strength to push through the MESS created for us with my husband too. Thank You for the ideas for dealing with things while in ‘limbo’. Sustain him Lord, and don’t let me suck on peppermint socks in the process! Give me the strength and patience to make it through this hard part and bring joy out on the other side of it.
