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
Here we see Moses and Elijah—two all-stars of faith, two giants in Israel's story—and they're talking with Jesus. How exciting for the disciples who followed Jesus up the mountain! They already believed Jesus was worth following—but great enough to merit this ultimate summit meeting? Simply amazing.
Peter proposes setting up camp to keep this grand threesome together. But then the voice from the cloud declares "This is my Son, the Beloved ... listen to him." And when Jesus tells his terrified disciples to get up off the ground, "they saw no one except Jesus himself alone."
While Jesus continues God's work through Moses and Elijah, only he is traveling where no prophet has walked before: to the cross and an empty tomb. Ever since, he has kept traveling with his followers, leading them ever further and deeper into the world.
Prayer
Gracious God, open my ears to listen to Jesus Christ today. Keep my eyes on your Beloved who is always and everywhere out ahead of us, calling us to follow. Amen.