Matthew 17:2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Today we are looking at what is called the Transfiguration. This is a moment in His time on earth where His physical appearance changed. There is much we can learn from this one short verse. Let’s dig deeper and see what we can learn.
In the context this verse is drawn from is the story of Jesus taking three of His disciples with Him up onto a mountain. He took Peter, James, and John with Him to be witness to what was to come. This is important because the entire event took place just days before the betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion. More on that in a bit.
The Greek word used in this verse that is translated as “transfigured” is metamorphoo. This word is more than simply being changed. It is an inward transformation that radiates outward. What the disciples saw before them was Jesus radiating His divine nature outward from within.
This verse describes the outward appearance of Jesus. His physical appearance was literally glowing and shining. His face was shining like the sun and His clothing became white like light. It showed the three disciples His true divine nature, His pure holiness, majesty, His heavenly authority and divine royalty. It showed them the unmasked presence of God on earth, standing before them. His inner divine glory and true identity as the Son of God was revealed to them in all its glory.
Why is this event important? As mentioned earlier in today’s devotion, this event took place shortly before Jesus’ prophesied suffering and His death on the cross. The Transfiguration had purpose, though. It was not just a show for three of His closest disciples. It served to reassure them that though He would soon be put to death, He was the true and eternal Lord, the Messiah.
In addition to the Transfiguration that took place, a few moments later Moses and Elijah appeared and stood with Him. They represented the Law and the Prophets and they pointed to Jesus as the absolute fulfillment of all Scripture, of the Law and all that the prophets had proclaimed.
If you are struggling today, if your life feels empty and meaningless or if you don’t understand why you are going through what you are facing, know this one truth – Jesus is still sovereign and in control. He still has a purpose for your life, whether you understand it at this moment in time or not.
The preview of Christ’s divine nature and glory prepared the disciples for what was to come – the pain of the cross. As believers, we can endure challenging seasons knowing that our present struggles do not compare to the future glory yet to come. And just as He shone brightly atop the mountain that day, we as Christians are called to let His love shine in and through us each day in our words and actions. Our hope for the present time and for the future is found only in Him.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t understand the purpose of what is going on in my life but I trust You have a plan and I commit my steps to following You alone. I will trust in You and no other, knowing You are divine and sovereign. Amen
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