transfiguration – Me From the Inside Out

Not Just a Story

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter1:16-18 and SOAP: verse 18

For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. ¹⁷For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.” ¹⁸When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:16-18

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly journal entry, p 158/Trials over Triumphs

When Peter speaks here of the transfiguration of Jesus, it’s not some second-hand account. He was there. He witnessed the majestic white robes and heard God’s voice (Matthew 17:1-13). It’s a firsthand account from someone who was included in this heavenly encounter. When Peter shares his memories of being with Jesus during that miraculous transfiguration, it’s as if he’s inviting us to sit down with him and hear a personal story. In those days, stories were heartbeats passed from one believer to another, and Peter’s close relationship with Jesus placed him in a unique position of trust. As he talks about the transfiguration, it’s not just for historical record. It’s an intimate reminder of Jesus’ divine nature, shared with the warmth of a dear friend recalling a cherished memory. Peter’s eyewitness testimony, which has been written down and recorded for the generations of Christians who followed him, is a heartfelt embrace, reassuring us of the deep truths we hold dear in our faith.

Why would Peter include this event in his letter? Because the transfiguration wasn’t just a miraculous display of Jesus’ glory, it was a testament to core doctrines of our Christian faith. First, it affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. If any Christian teacher denies the deity of Jesus, then that teacher is a false teacher.

Furthermore, this event gives weight to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. The cross wasn’t just a historical event. It was the manifestation of love in its purest form, Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins.

The transfiguration also showcased a glimpse of God’s magnificent kingdom. It was a foretaste of what awaits us – a beautiful and real kingdom built on love, grace, and eternal glory.

Lastly, intertwined in this heavenly event lies the lesson of suffering and glory. Just as Jesus went through immense suffering only to be glorified later, we will also face trials in our lives. But remember not to fear. On the other side of those trials awaits unimaginable glory.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

What have you seen Jesus do for you or watched Him do in the lives of others? What should you do with the story? Whether it’s something you experienced or something you witnessed, it is your testimony, and it is meant to be shared. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

Thoughts to consider: What might happen if you share it? What if you don’t share it? Why haven’t you shared it? How might you share it? – Pray for God to help you answer these questions and to direct you in ways and opportunities to share the story.

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

As you reflect on Peter’s intimate account of the transfiguration, how does his firsthand experience deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus and the reality of heaven?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, as we reflect on the transfiguration, may Peter’s testimony not only affirm our faith but also draw us closer to You, revealing the depth of Your love and Your awesome majesty. Strengthen our resolve to walk faithfully with You every day. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

More insight on 2 Peter 1:18

Read: Mark 8: 34-9:29; SOAP: Mark 9:7

Following Jesus

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. ³⁵If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. ³⁶And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? ³⁷Is anything worth more than your soul? ³⁸If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

9 Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, ³and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. ⁴Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

⁵Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.

⁷Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” ⁸Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.

⁹As they went back down the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.”

¹¹Then they asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

¹²Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt? ¹³But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted.”

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. ¹⁵When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.

¹⁶“What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.

¹⁷One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. ¹⁸And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.^[e] So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”

¹⁹Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.

²¹“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.

He replied, “Since he was a little boy. ²²The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

²³“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if …. Read the rest

The event of Jesus’ transfiguration was a remarkably personal event. Jesus didn’t even allow all twelve of His disciples to witness it, only Peter, James, and John.
Read the full devotional

There are so many things the Father could have said about Jesus, but what He said was simple and yet so important.
“This is my one dear Son. Listen to him!” – Mark 9:7
Read the full LGG Blog

Tag: transfiguration

A Powerful Testimony