Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Our reading of Matthew chapter 17 begins in a glorious way. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. He wanted these three to witness the miraculous event that was going to take place. While on the mountaintop, “Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” Imagine being invited by Jesus to see, with your own eyes, His physical transformation. As if that wasn’t mind-blowing enough, the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Wait! That’s not all - “...a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” And with that, the disciples fell facedown to the ground, terrified. What an experience! What a privilege! Oh and by the way they were supposed to keep this experience a secret. What?! Not sure that I could have kept my mouth shut on this one. The disciples knew that Jesus was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about the significance of His upcoming death and resurrection.

Also in this chapter, Jesus healed a demon-possessed boy and taught the disciples that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed - nothing would be impossible for them. Jesus also followed the law in Capernaum which required paying a two-drachma tax. However, He did it in such an amazing way. Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing, which we know he did well. Peter took the first fish he caught and retrieved from its mouth a four-drachma coin to pay the tax for both he and Jesus. I like to think Jesus was having a little fun with this one.

In verses 22-23, Jesus predicted His capture, death, and resurrection for a second time. Peter was bold the first time Jesus spoke of what was to come. Peter declared he wouldn’t let such a thing happen. As we remember from yesterday, Jesus dealt with Peter’s attitude with a rebuke. Jesus was still attempting to prepare His disciples for the tough road ahead. Even though they did not fully understand, in verse 23, the Bible says “And the disciples were filled with grief.” As a church, we have opened the door to conversations about grief. The disciples would soon feel the weight of grief and loss like never before. Their grief would be layered with other intense emotions - guilt, anger, confusion, shame, abandonment. But their grief would soon give way to astonishment, jubilation, joy, and ultimately HOPE when they came face to face with their Risen Savior. When they touched the scars on His hands and feet, their grief would be released.

Jesus is more than just a great leader, a perfect example, a good influence, or a great prophet. He is the Son of God. When you understand this profound truth, the only adequate response is worship.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection: 

• The word transformation means a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. Why do you think Jesus invited Peter, James, and John to witness such an event?
  
• What have seasons of grief and loss looked like for you? Have you experienced other emotions layered on top of your grief? Please know that you can call on the Name of Jesus and He will hear your cries and come running to be with you in your pain and brokenness. He can transform your grief into hope even one degree by one degree at a time.
  
• Prayer: Our Faithful God, we worship You in all Your glory and splendor. Your Word shows us Your Divine power in Your transfiguration on the mountaintop and Your playfulness with a coin in the mouth of a fish. Your love is displayed when You comfort those who grieve and hurt. Continue to reveal Yourself to us, Lord, so that we may know You more, love You more, and always follow You faithfully. In the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen.