~ Consider Events Just Before His
Death ~
The Setting
~ The transfiguration of Jesus—it
was a short while before our Savior’s death at Calvary when Jesus was
transfigured before Peter, James, and John.
The Account
~ “Now
after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a
high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes
became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to
them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to
Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for
You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright
cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying,
‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were
greatly afraid. But Jesus came and
touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw
no one but Jesus only. Now as they came
down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no
one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’ And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then
do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed,
Elijah is coming first and will
restore all things. But I say to you
that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever
they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that He spoke
to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew
17:1-13).
Some Observations
~ (1) This passage includes miracles—including
the appearance of Moses and Elijah, the transformation of Jesus, and the direct
communication from God the Father to these disciples. (2) In the beginning of this passage the
disciples were still clueless regarding who this Jesus that they were following
really was. (3) It was a teachable
moment for the three—now they understood to a much fuller degree the uniqueness
of Jesus Christ.
Some Lessons
~ (1) Clearly the death of Jesus
Christ for the sins of the world was part of the divine plan—it was not an
accident. In a similar way, nothing
happens to his children on earth today which is not a part of the divine
plan. (2) Moses and Elijah were sent to
Jesus to encourage Him as He resolutely set His face toward the Cross. God the Father also spoke directly—this was
not only for others to hear but Fatherly encouragement for His Son. Likewise, today God often send encouragers
into our lives just when we need it, and sometimes He speaks directly to
us. (3) We should be glad and take
maximum advantage of opportunities to help or encourage other believers as they
travel along their path.
the key question:
“Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important
question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it
incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
NOTES:
(1)
The
current
TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very
bottom of this home page.
(2)
There
is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the
left column.
(3)
You
may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4)
You
may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by
prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free
blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid
Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/
.
