Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: 2 Kings 24 -25; Matthew 17
Changed by the love – Matthew 17:1-13
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. 2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
3 Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” 6 Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.
7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One[a] is raised from the dead.”
10 The disciples asked, “Then why do the legal experts say that Elijah must first come?”
11 Jesus responded, “Elijah does come first and will restore all things. 12 In fact, I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they didn’t know him. But they did to him whatever they wanted. In the same way the Human One[b] is also going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples realized he was telling them about John the Baptist.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
After Jesus talked about his death, he invites his three disciples to experience what it would be like to be in the presence of God’s glory. On top of the mountain, Jesus’ appearance changes and Moses and Elijah appear.
Eugene Peterson, in the Message Bibles, describes this scene by saying: “His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him.”
It is a holy moment, as the disciples were able to taste heaven.
And then they heard God’s voice. “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!”
It’s the same word, people heard when during Jesus’ baptism.
Jesus’ mission was reminded and rekindled on the mountain top.
Another reason he no longer needed to stay on the mountain top.
He needed to fulfill God’s mission.
Prayer
Lord, we know we are called for your mission. Sometimes we forget, and even don’t know what you ask. Grant us a moment to capture your mission, and may you use us for your glory. In the name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN.
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.