Transfigured
by Neil Bergmann
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While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’ (Matthew 17:5)
Read Matthew 17:1–13
The story of the Transfiguration is another step in Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem, where he already knows that he faces his final trial. During Lent, we are invited to come along with Jesus on that journey. In this story, we join Jesus’ inner circle of disciples – Peter, James and John – on the mountaintop as he reveals his glory.
Perhaps the disciples were starting to feel unsure about whether Jesus was the promised Messiah – especially after he seemed determined to head into trouble in Jerusalem and asked them to follow him there. Just as Moses glowed when he returned from speaking with God on Mt Sinai, Jesus glowed with God’s glory. This is backed up by the appearance of Moses and Elijah and God’s voice from heaven confirming that Jesus is the Son of God. At least for now, this was a sign just for the three disciples, assuring them that the trip to Jerusalem was part of God’s plan.
Sometimes, during our Lenten journey, we might not be sure this annual trip is worth making one more time. Is this time of reflection and self-examination really useful? After all, we know that our salvation has been won for us without us doing anything.
For me, this Lenten journey helps to keep me humble and grateful for the gift of salvation. The Transfiguration shows us that Jesus was not powerless in the face of opposition but embodied the full glory and power of God. Yet still, Jesus went to the cross to pay the debt for the sin that separates God and humanity, the sin that separates God and me. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the kingdom of God is here and now. It isn’t always obvious, but if we look around us carefully, we can see God’s glory all around us.
Powerful and gentle God, help me to see the goodness and the glory of your kingdom here on Earth. Give me eyes to see Jesus in everyone I meet and in every action of care and kindness. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. He is a member of ISCAST (Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology), and he enjoys their biennial conferences about science and faith in conversation.
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