Week 21: The Mount of Transfiguration

The Mount of Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1–8 | A Year in the Life of Jesus

We are drawn toward glory. Extraordinary talent, beauty, intelligence, courage, and accomplishment have a kind of gravity to them. They capture our attention—and eventually, what we find glorious begins to shape who we become.

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John are given a glimpse of the true glory of Jesus. The scene echoes Moses on Mount Sinai, but with one enormous difference: Moses reflected the glory of God; Jesus radiates it. He isn't simply another great teacher, prophet, or spiritual guide. He is the beloved Son—the radiance of God's glory.

And from the cloud, the Father gives the disciples a simple command: “Listen to him.”

This is more than hearing Jesus' words. It is an invitation to build our lives around him—to give Jesus our attentive allegiance and allow his voice to shape every part of who we are.

But the beauty of Jesus' glory is revealed in what happens next. Jesus doesn't remain on the mountain displaying his glory. He comes down and begins his journey toward Jerusalem, suffering, and the cross. The One shining in glory willingly lays himself down in love.

The cross shows us what Jesus does with his glory. He doesn't use it to dominate. He uses it to love.

This is the Jesus who says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” And if this is who Jesus truly is, the question becomes: What part of our lives would we possibly be better off withholding from him?

“This is my beloved Son…listen to him.”