Who is this Jesus?

Six days later Jesus took with him Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. (verses 1-3)

Read Matthew 17:1-9

Try to imagine what this must have been like for Peter, James and John. They go up this high mountain with Jesus, a man who has been their teacher and friend. From Jesus’ family and friends they have probably heard stories about his childhood. They have shared the life of a travelling teacher with him, eating, sleeping and talking with him.

Now, suddenly, on the top of this mountain something new is revealed to them. The picture that Matthew gives us, of Jesus’ face ‘shining like the sun’ and his clothes ‘dazzling white’, describes the revelation of the glory of Jesus’ divine nature. The appearance of Moses and Elijah highlights his relationship with the law of God and with the prophets who spoke for God. The true nature of Jesus as the Christ, the chosen one of God, sent to deliver all people from the power of sin, death and the devil, is clearly demonstrated.

This is the Jesus who has come for you also. He is more than a teacher or a moral guide. He is a saviour – your Saviour and Lord!

Lord Jesus, you have come to be my Saviour and Lord. Help me to receive the gift you have given me-yourself. Amen.

Devotion by Tom Peitsch in “Assurance for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 2004)

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