Matthew 17:1-9
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light.
I’ve always preached about the Transfiguration of Jesus as a time of preparation for the three disciples who would lead the others after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. It was certainly a moment of stunning clarity for them. Dare I say, God’s cloud-based communication…(sorry).
Today, I’m noticing a different aspect of this story. It’s also a moment of beautiful transparency and vulnerability. Before he went into Jerusalem where he would be arrested and executed, Jesus took his three closest companions into Sacred Space on a mountain where he revealed himself fully to them. For one brief shining moment (sorry again), Jesus was able to share all of himself with his friends.
Prayer: Lord Jesus: Thank you for your example of love in action. Lead each of us to others with whom we can safely be our authentic selves in Christ. AMEN