Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
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Chapter 17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. Verse 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Verse 4Then 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." Verse 5While 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!" Verse 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. Verse 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." Verse 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. Verse 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Devotion
“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
The spotlight shines on Jesus, bringing clarity to our faith and life. Whatever else is on stage is obscured by the blinding light of a few thousand watts illuminating Jesus Christ, drawing our attention to him.
We feel the weight of the demands of the day, the pressure of expectations we or others place on us. There are painful memories of sins already forgiven. There is some apprehension about what following Jesus will mean for us if we take it seriously. All of these considerations merely clutter up the stage, because nothing else matters except Jesus. The spotlight follows Jesus on his way, ultimately, to the cross. Jesus calls us to follow him. The uncertainties around a life committed to God’s will do not matter, because we are with Jesus, and Jesus has God’s approval.
Prayer
O God, by your Spirit, dispel all distracting thoughts from my mind so that I can clearly and distinctly hear where your Son is leading me. Amen.