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
The Transfiguration of Jesus, witnessed by his friends, is a “thin place” moment for them—a time when and a place where the distance between heaven and earth seems thin, or at least thinner than usual. I think Peter, James, and John see and hear more in this moment than they’ve seen and heard in the previous three years they’ve been with Jesus. This is a light and sound show like no other. Suddenly, the earthy Jesus with his dusty feet and tired eyes becomes the ethereal Jesus—robe glowing and face shining—a shimmering window into pure divinity. This may actually be more than a thin place; this may be a ripping of the barrier between God and humanity as God comes flooding into our midst. God can still do that, you know. And not necessarily through dazzling moments of transfiguration, but more likely in the daily trenches of faithfulness. No mountain climbing required.
Prayer
Bright and Glorious God, you have revealed yourself in Jesus. Continue to show yourself to us as we move through the week so that we can be strengthened by your presence. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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