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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 dazzling white. 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 make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice 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 looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

 

Transfiguration Sunday. What an experience for the disciples! In previous days, Jesus had been telling them that he must undergo great suffering and be killed (16:21) and that following him might cost them their lives (17:24-25). Yet on a mountaintop Jesus was shining like the sun with Israel’s ancient lawgiver, Moses, and its prophet of the Messiah, Elijah. Furthermore, the voice from the cloud said the same thing as at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my beloved son.”

The disciples’ reaction was of fear. Why? Recognizing their sinfulness in the face of a holy God? Facing powerful, supernatural events totally beyond their control? What would your reaction be? While we might be overcome with awe and worship, we know the Jesus who gave his life for us, who touches us and says, “Do not be afraid”.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for being an awesome God who reaches out to touch us when we are hurting or need forgiveness. Help us to share your love through a tender touch or hug with a grieving or hurting person.

 

Prayer Concern – People who are afraid and hurting

 

Linda Giesen linda.giesen37@gmail.com